Sparta, like many NWOBHM bands at the time did not release that much material (two singles and a split release) and it’s virtually impossible without a bank loan to own these releases in these times in above average condition. But with the current healthy musical climate, Sparta are back and are a valid touring band again, they also have some unfinished business to deliver. ‘Welcome to Hell’ is a brand new release in response to High Roller’s successful compilation re-issue of their earlier material a couple of years back (‘Use Your Weapons Well’). The concept of the album is a Hell in three dimensions: Hell in the sky as in ‘Kingdom Of The Sky’, Hell on earth as in the hell of battle i.e. ‘Welcome To Hell’ and the traditional Hell as in ‘Dreaming Of Evil’.
The only older track is ‘Angel of Death’ which gets a fresh new recording, although the song thankfully remains true to the original with the same catchy melody and hook with the addition of double tracking throughout the bridge solo, whilst the main solo that picks up the pace has a slightly different delivery, but still kicks ass. So the history lesson is complete, Sparta have some new material to offer too with the inclusion of unreleased tracks never heard before. Songs like ‘Welcome to Hell‘ and ‘Time‘ really deliver the goods, they are laden with melodies, hooks and also do not stray too far from the original early 80’s material, the band appear comfortable with their sound but still provide tunes that are no mere copycat or re-hash of past glories. The release is exciting, there is even a vintage feel to the sound recording and the only modern touch is the volume of the solos when these kick in.
One thing that has struck me with this band is their ability to engage or connect the listener to the lyrics, I certainly have, especially with a track like ‘Soldier of Fortune’, which is in fact a complete re-working of a song originally penned in 1984 but remained unreleased. Sparta as I have mentioned, give you something different with ‘Wild Night’. Not just NWOBHM, but slide guitar driven hard rock that eases your mood and brings a smile to your face, critically there is probably too much slide guitar for my liking, but that should not detract from your enjoyment of this track that is pretty unique compared to the remainder of the album.
Fan’s attending this year’s Brofest Festival in Newcastle Upon Tyne will be in for a treat when this material is aired live for the first time. This is a nice effortless debut full length release; it doesn’t overburden the listener with a forced sense of nostalgia, its sounds fresh but is a subtle nod to the classic period of this sub-genre and it is well worth your cash and full support.
(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)
Leave a Reply