This is another Canadian band I have enjoyed from their demo days since finding them on a well-known music platform. In this review cycle, this is a two pronged attack from vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud (also of Gatekeeper – see review also on Ave Noctum), although in Traveler Jean-Pierre has more than accepted the challenge of standard E-tuning, yes we hit the high notes people!
Traveler released a split with Coronary (Fin) last year (you should check them out too) and this traditional metal thunder force have also managed to secure a spot at the prestigious ‘Keep It True’ festival this year, one hopes as I can’t go this year, that some UK shows appear!
As with my album of choice by Hitten from last year, Traveler makes a real metal statement. It’s not unique, it’s not a never heard before release, however, the vibrancy and quality more than whets your appetite and has you pounding the metal poses. There are 8 tracks in total, 3 of which featured on their demo and split (namely ‘Starbreaker’, ‘Behind the Iron’ and ‘Mindless Maze’). The first two are still stand out tracks on this full album release taking you to classic memorable metal territories. That’s not to say the remainder are below par, far from it, these simply feel easier to get with, perhaps as I have heard them many times previous. There’s some ripping guitar work, again, the energy is fantastic, oh how I love albums like this, the review writes itself many times over in my mind, how many ways are there to say buy it god dammit! The closer ‘Speed Queen’ is a new anthem too, fist raising, neck breaking and bringing in a key element of melody in some parts for me, a stellar metal tune.
What started as a side project by a member of another cool Canadian band Gatekrashor and Hrom, backed up with a bassist that used to be Striker, we now have a fully-fledged project in tow and a proper recording band to boot. Canada often led the way for metal way back when, they’re doing it again Traveler and many other bands coming out in the last few years.
For a proper metal workout, get travelling, get this album, support the band, the album is a true slab of traditional metal and rips the face off all those posers who want to be part of a scene, this IS the scene and a terrific piece of work.
(9/10 Paul Maddison)
Leave a Reply