20 years after their initial recording spree,US metal titans Sleepy Hollow are back with Bob Mitchell (ex-Attacker) in tow on vocals. I have listened to this album a number of times prior to writing down these thoughts, and also before reading the PR material that accompanies this release; hence, I am rather surprised that this vocal is Mr Mitchell’s, but in actual fact, he has been the lead singer since the very beginning. The album for me splits into thirds. The first third you have a lot of Accept/U.D.O. worship, especially the gritty vocal, with not really that much to speak about really. The music is great and refreshing, but it is not until songs like ‘Epic (The Legend Retold)’ appear that there is a real spark, a real level of imagination in the song writing. Yes you will hear many Judas Priest elements in the sound, the arrangements, especially that of the aforementioned ‘Epic…’ are masterful. Experience and longevity really shine through.

As you listen more intently to the earlier beginning of this album (which will also be released on vinyl too) you understand the structure more. ‘Facemelter’ is a rabid groovy mid tempo metal assault, the only critique of this is the slightly mechanical sound to the drums, especially the double kick parts, but when the tempo increases again, you are in Priest and Primal Fear territory. Yes it is one of those releases that flicker between classicUSmetal riffing inspiration (especially some of the wicked solos) and European/UK influences. All in all though, this is crafted in a way that you don’t hear glitches in the sound recording. Talking of those US metal influences, get your ears bleeding to ‘Inquisition’, this gallops around some titanic rhythm guitar structures and a feel of Attacker, Exxplorer and you guessed it, Painkiller era-Priest. Rather than be a copycat, I do have to point out that it’s very hard to compare bands in this genre unless you are totally into it, the lazy comparison is thoseBlack Countrylegends! When I mentioned thirds of this release, the final chapter goes back into the overtly gravelly vocal delivery losing the epic majesty previously found under the entertainment section in your minds library.

So in summary, you like traditional metal with a touch of epic chord structures, buzzing guitar solos and a talented lead vocal? Well, you need to check out Sleepy Hollow, paying attention to the particular songs mentioned above! Epic US Metal at its level best is an accurate way to describe ‘Skull 13’, revel in its sound, its artwork and overall delivery.

(7/10 Paul Maddison)

www.puresteel–records.com