For those who are unfamiliar with Bullet, here is a brief description of them – 5 Swedish guys, one huge 80’s metal sound and lots of attitude to go with it. The official presser contained this quote from the band: “We will raise hell, we will drink beer, we will bang our heads together and kill grunge… again! Prepare for the storm of blades!” If that hasn’t got your interest, I only hope this review will. Storm of Blades is the band’s 5th album and the highly anticipated follow up to 2012’s fantastic “Full Pull”, so let’s see if we can go kill grunge again.
“Uprising” starts off with that epic intro sound. Big ringing chords, layered lead lines and some live crowd samples faded in for good measure as the big dramatic drums build the tension even more. It’s hard not to feel a sense of empowerment as this teaser for an opener gives way into the first single from the album which is also the title track – “Storm of Blades”. Opening up with some serious riffing which the mighty Judas Priest would be proud of, it’s impossible not to hold your fist in the air as it goes on, and when the unique vocal styling’s of Hell Hofer kick in, (think Brian Johnson with his nuts trapped in a vice) you know its business. Gang vocal moments in the chorus help build up that anthem-like sound which the band is known for. The intense riffing, furious singing and lead work makes this a great opener and “Riding High” which follows keeps up this homage to the 80’s. With its simple lead line over a thick sounding rhythm. The more modern take on the 80’s Euro-metal style works brilliantly. It’s got a great groove to it and the leadwork is impressive too with both guitarists trading solo’s and bringing the song home with an obligatory key-change.
“Tornado” opens with a very AC/DC sounding feel. The beefed-up classic rock vibe works brilliantly with its punch riffs, subtle lead lines and then seriously juiced up solos. This song sounds like it could do down a storm (heh!) live with its big gang chorus moments but apart from that, there isn’t much else to say about it. It’s just a solid track. “Hawk Eyes” has a real driving riff to it which sets the tone for the song. It’s got the right amount of bite and edge to it to give the song a more aggressive feel to it, but to still keep the upbeat 80’s edge to it. With some fancy leadwork and solid rhythm it works well, and it even has that obligatory “Big rock ending” where everyone just goes wild for a few seconds just to show that the track is over. “This One’s For You” starts off in a very similar fashion to Judas Priest’s ‘Breakin’ the Law’ and it’s really hard to listen to it without randomly hearing ‘ Breakin’ the Law ‘ in your head at the same time. That catchy riff with solid rhythm work really gets it stuck in your head and the chorus ditches the priest like riff in favor of some big chords but still keeping that pushing pace the song has. The mid-section slows the song down a little but adds some dramatic moments to it before it pushes back into the full on driving feel and and a twin guitar harmony line brings it home.
“Hammer Down” starts off with a darker feel to it. The first big riff has some serious chug behind it, fueled by the tight bass and drum component of the band, and it’s hard not to raise your firsts in the air through the chorus as it kicks in with some serious power and big gang vocal moments. The solo is well placed and as it finishes, it allows the bass to take the spotlight by locking the entire song down as the guitars add some drama with the lead work. In all, it sounds like a juiced-up NWOBHM song, and that’s a god thing! “It’s On” brings back the fast paced rock n roll vibe with tricky leads and fills over a fast paced rhythm. It’s got a real empowering feeling to it and it challenges the listener in the chorus “to give me all you’ve got” before it rips into a fast paced, high intensity guitar solo. Fantastic track and easily one of the best moments of the album by far. “Crossfire” brings back the juiced up classic rock feeling as it kicks in with a tasty sounding solo before a no-nonsense driving riff heavy with groove takes over. It’s a slight comedown from the previous track’s energy, but what it lacks in pace, it makes up for with feel. The break two thirds of the way into the track really shines out with the paced out lead work and tight rhythm and the ending kicks to life with another tasty solo as it fades out.
“Run With the Hunted” brings back the aggressive 80’s metal edge again with its fast paced assault. The simple repeated riff followed by a big chorus moment with lots of tricky lead fills covering it really hits the spot. The soloing like much of the rest of the album is spot on and is delivered brilliantly. “Coming in Loud” is the final track of the album and it brings back the slower paced 80’s feel with plenty of flair and steady groove. Like much of the album it is a solid offering and it closes the album off in the way it started – with plenty of power!
Bullet hit the spot with this album. Though Grunge has been killed off, if it were to come back, “Storm of Blades” would surely give its greasy haired, flannel shirt wearing sounds a good kick or two to keep it at bay whilst the rest of metal rallied to it. It’s worth a listen, but the vocals might grate on you. Not everyone can take to them, but me, I think it’s all good!
(8/10 Fraggle)
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