Motorjesus have been banging about since 2006. The German three piece band have had a steady stream of full length album releases and “Hellbrekaer” is their sixth. Riding a fine line between hard rock and classic heavy metal, theirs is a straight forward rock ‘til you drop style.
Opening with “Drive Through Fire”, the classic sounding heavy metal riffs are firmly rooted in the early 80’s. Developing into a fists-in-the-air punchy anthem, an early template is set for what is to follow. A steady mix of early Judas Priest and Motörhead appear on “Firebreather” and “Hellbreaker” which have a melodic edginess.
The album has some punchy moments with “Dead Rising” showing a bit of urgency but songs like “Car Wars” have a very ‘80’s LA strip feel and come across as a little dated. “Lawgiver” gives the impression of being the bands take on Anthrax classic “I Am The Law” while the mid tempo thump of “Firebreather” has a Metallica vibe about it.
“Black Hole Overload” is a big, bouncing riff fest. Very accessible, it leans toward a more commercial, radio friendly sound. Oliver Beck’s drumming on “Back To The Bullet” would make Mickey Dee proud and there’s more than a whiff of Motörhead in the urgent delivery. After all the fire it’s a gentle acoustic outro that finishes the album in the form of “The Outrun”
“Hellbreaker” is the sort of album you’d have on in the background of a party. Not particularly groundbreaking and tending toward being a little clichéd it’s nonetheless solid hard rock.
(6/10 Johnny Zed)
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