BLACKSMITH LEGACY – Metal Never Dies (MCD 4tr)

These Swedes made their debut in 2013 and now follow it up with the four-track EP entitled Metal Never Dies. They do sound like they believe it 100 %. All the heavy metal clique boxes are ticked. The lyrics and song titles are “metal”, the band name and title are “metal”, the sound is definitely metal and the songs are very metal. They have even snuck in a section from The Hall Of The Mountain King. I’m not saying it like it’s a bad thing. I think it’s great that bands keep the legacy (excuse the pun) alive. Metal Never Dies is definitely a step up from the debut Let The Game Begin in terms of production, songs and overall quality, plus the lead vocals sound better (the singer has now unfortunately left the band). If you’re into bands like Gamma Ray, Metalium, Running Wild and Manowar, lend these boys an ear.

Janne Stark

Year: 2015

Country: Sweden

Label: Self-released

Master Massive – The Pendulum (CD)

Wow! Is this an album I’ve waited for! Ever since I first heard the track “Time Out Of Mind” on Swedish radio back in 1988 I’ve been waiting for its release. I’ve actually featured the track on the bonus CD for two of my encyclopaedias (in two different versions) just because I just can’t get enough of this song. Back in 1988 it was first recorded under the band name Zanity, featuring singer Tony Niva (Lion’s Share, Niva, Oxygen) and he’s the one handling the lead vocals on this recording as well. He’s however not the only singer. First, I think I need to explain the concept of the album. For that is what it is: a concept album. The different singers play different parts in this dark prophecy and their vocal performances intertwine. For instance Tony Niva plays “The dark force” Nhoknezt, Peo Pettersson (Axia, Leviticus) plays “The  one chosen by the gods” Aadham, Tony Johansson (Masquerade) plays “Indian Chief” Yellowhawk and Divin Tronstad plays “Dai Maanion’s companion” The Black Angel. I’ve collected all of Master Massive’s demos through the years and on this album mastermind, guitarist, singer Jan Strandh has taken some of the best songs and updated the lyrics to fit into this dark saga. Despite being a concept album, which sometimes makes an album pass over the general metal fan’s head as being a bit pretentious, I think most of the songs on this one will find its way into the ears of fans of bands like Mercyful Fate, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force or even Manowar. Songs like “Time Out Of Mind”, “Four Dreams”, “Showdown” or the crushingly heavy “Eye Of Silence”, “Wishing Well” and “Sovereign Power” are outstanding songs. The musical performances, Jan’s outstanding guitar playing (why this man has not been more recognised is a damn shame!!) and the killer vocal performances, make for a bloody great album. Listen to it from beginning to end – you will love it! One of my top albums of this year, no doubt!!

Janne Stark

Label: ViciSolum

Year: 2015

Country: Sweden

ALLOY - The Path So Frequently Trodden (CDR)

Alloy is a new Swedish combatant on the battle grounds of classic heavy metal. To quote themselves they are on a path frequently trodden. Alloy plays classic sounding eighties heavy metal, showing quite obvious traces of Iron Maiden and Manowar, but also US metal band Brocas Helm. They place themselves alongside newcomers like Enforcer, Steelwings, Helvetets Port and Evilseve, and they do pretty well. There are some flaws here and there, but nothing major. The songs have all the necessary elements with good vocals, a great guitarist and a solid rhythm section. The recording is liberatingly free of autotune and trigged drums, and relies on a classic analogue sound. The vocals are often the band’s Achilles’ heel, and Jonas Edström may not be any Bruce Dickinson, but he does a really good job. The songs are also good and solid with my favourite being the slightly heavier Sea Of Lies with its of gloomy riffing. A really good start, boys!
Janne Stark
Country: Sweden
Label: none (demo-CDR)