VA „Heavy Metal Killers ”

Music: Heavy Metal
Country: Various
Web site: www.myspace.com/heavymetalkillers


Choice Cuts: Chained Up In Chains, Live by the Sword, Witches Sabbath, A Thousand Nightmares

Over the past couple of years, Earache Records has made a reputation for reviving the 1980s metal sound but with newer, younger bands. The UK label has released several “New School” thrash artists such as GAMA BOMB, BONDED BY BLOOD, and most of all—MUNICIPAL WASTE. Last year, Earache released “Thrashing Like a Maniac: 16 Ripping Cuts of New School Thrash,” which highlighted the best of this scene. Now Earache is trying its hand with traditional metal, releasing “Heavy Metal Killers”

Earache approached this compilation much the same way it approached their previous throwback compilation. The label gathered several groups—thirteen, to be exact—from throughout the world that seek to create metal’s classic period. These groups portray an image and sound owing to their metal forefathers. The influences are obvious, especially musically, recalling heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN, MERCYFUL FATE, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN (yes, I said it twice), and just about any NWOBHM that comes to mind.

The bar-chord-heavy riffs and occasional shouts on POWERVICE’s ‘Behold the Hand of Glory’ resemble the Paul Di’Anno days of IRON MAIDEN. “Sudden Impact,” the track chosen by Sweden’s RAM features a catchy pre-chorus rhythm and Ripper Owens style vocals. Not the most original title, but with ‘Chained Up In Chains’ CAULDRON finds a good mix of heavy, chugging riffs and melodies. CAULDRON singer, Jason Decay (also of GOATHORN) possesses a smooth voice, although without much range. HOD’s ‘Kicked to the Kurb’ consists of wild solos, soaring vocals and vintage, fist-pumping riffing, resulting in one of album’s most aggressive tracks.

The award for sounding most like their heroes goes to CELTIC LEGACY, PORTRAIT and IN SOLITUDE. CELTIC LEGACY performs a much-expected ode to IRON MAIDEN, circa Bruce Dickinson, with ‘Live By The Sword.’ PORTRAIT and IN SOLITUDE imitate KING DIAMOND/MERCYFUL FATE with exceptional accuracy; PORTRAIT could even be accused of taking their name from the KING DIAMOND track ‘The Portrait.’ Both bands may have taken their share of liberties from the King, but do it well. The PORTRAIT track ‘A Thousand Nightmares’ could have been a B-side on MERCYFUL FATE’s “Melissa” album, in both production and Per Karlsson’s banshee shrieks. IN SOLITUDE’s ‘Witches’ features a groove along the lines of KING DIAMOND’s “Abigail” album.

The bands on “Heavy Metal Killers” must have dusted off their dad’s records to emulate the sounds on this album because these bands were either kids or unborn when the original styles first emerged. These groups mostly succeed in recreating this culture, although some of the production sounds modern and the vocalists do not match the originators, bar PORTRAIT. Just like the “Thrashing Like a Maniac” album, the positives and negatives are the same, depending on the listener. Some may scoff at the album’s copycat motif, while others may enjoy this recreation. That assessment is up to the listener, although having Bruce Dickenson endorse this album does not hurt.

note: 7/10

Tracklist

01. Powervice – “Behold The Hand Of Glory”
02. White Wizzard – “High Speed GTO”
03. Cauldron – “Chained Up In Chains”
04. RAM – “Suddent Impact”
05. Enforcer – “Mistress Of Hell”
06. H.O.D. – “Kicked To The Kerb”
07. Crowning Glory – ” Sea Of Dead Dreams”
08. Portrait – “A Thousand Nightmares”
09. Celtic Legacy – “Live By The Sword”
10. ALLTHENIKO – “Feel The Power”
11. Voltax – “Steel Maker”
12. In Solitude – “Witches Sabbath”
13. Cast Iron – “Running From The Law”