Classic German thrash/speed metal for you here. Most should know of this band and they have a pretty well respected history. For this latest effort, only their fourth full length release, they have continued with more of the thrash style to their arrangements, but the pace is rather quick for the first few tracks on this release in keeping with the style of their awesome debut ‘Hellish Crossfire’.
Whilst the pace is rapid, the quality of the songs has been cemented on ‘Emerald Eyes’. The songs are structured better than those from their most recent comeback album ‘Hellbound’ and the whole presentation is fresh and far from sterile in terms of the production. One of the things I like about the production here is that it remains true to their heritage. It’s not dated, but it doesn’t sound modernised either. A lot of classic bands update their sounds to meet up modern studio tools which for me loses the magic and soul (or can do!).
‘Sacred Slaughter’ invigorates from the start, in a typical German metal style, think early Grave Digger, Rage, Helloween etc, you know what to expect and you get in in bucket loads. ‘Descend’ begins with a riff that reminds me of modern US speed warriors Seax, then the string structured style of Iron Angel takes over and adds its character, the like the running down fretboard effect after the chorus. ‘What Are We Living for’ reminds me of ‘Legions of Evil’ if the starting riff, as it builds then speeds into life. ‘Fiery Winds of Death’ has a real thrash groove to the track and works out pretty great to be fair. This is where I’m happy with the band doing something a touch different. To be honest, it would have been a same old album release otherwise. ‘Bridges Are Burning’ and ‘Heaven in Red’ (with its awesome solo!) is back in familiar territory and some awesome vocal pieces give the tracks a strong overtone with the hammering backbone of the rhythm section brings much enjoyment as the listener.
Overall, I think this is a much stronger release compared to their comeback effort. The diehard fans will enjoy and this is a fair route into classic Iron Angel material for the newcomer. This time around also, the artwork is much more appealing and spectacular.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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