This is the third release from Tower, from the streets of New York. This is high energy classic metal with loads of attitude coupled with chaos, confusion and stunning vocal tones courtesy of Sarabeth Linden.
‘Blood Moon’ starts as a full on metal attack, Saxon meets Priest with some awesome vocal screams that take me back to my youth listening to a lot of early WASP. ‘Prince of Darkness’ is slower, some of the vocal lines are so “epic” they remind me of rock operas, it gives me the same chills. If you imagine a combination of Dio, Tony Martin era Sabbath and even musically more akin to Hellion, this hits the spot. It’s laden with time changes and the classic metal credentials are displayed more prominently than your covid pass. ‘Running out of Time’ pays its respects to older US metal, and even flavours of a Scottish Favourite of mine, Firebrand Superock (which now has members residing in King Witch). At the start of ‘Lay down the Law’, you get a synth styled baseline, characteristic of 70’s sci-fi movies. You also have a big 80’s band vocal delivery (Heart springs to mind for me), you may sit in anticipation to the music to kick in. When it does, you will be rewarded. The atmosphere generated is quite special via the arrangement, genuinely good US metal. I was wanting to find this, I did, I mean the galloping guitars, come on, it’s not quite the same without this, is it? The vibe is stark with the inclusion of strong vocal vibrato during the chorus. ‘Hired Gun’ feels very Deep Purple at the start, again WASP and Hellion comes to mind. You will find other influences here, The Scorpions for example, during ‘On the Line’, it’s got a totally smooth flow to it too.
I am confused by the concept of the artwork though, I’ll have to investigate that more. You have a woman trapped behind a glass window that’s positioned in a snow filled landscape.
Overall, the album is remarkably uplifting, retro you could say, but it’s no slouch or copycat. I think this album will appeal to most whom enjoy classic metal, not just sourced from the USA either. There’s a touch of magic for everyone here.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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