Recorded back in the Pandemic, ‘Hidden Beyond Time’ is the new album from Finnish Heavy/Stoner Metal band Green King. It doesn’t take long for the grooves to kick in as opening track ‘Gates of Annihilation’ showcases the bands very fluid and cohesive style with some perfectly executed Maidenesque guitar leads, a tremendously catchy bass sound, as well as powerful and well thought out drum routines and a clear, slightly accented vocal style.
Not to labour the Iron Maiden influence, but it is written all over this album and a glorious thing that is too. The only difference being the entrenched bass groove that lies at the heart of each song, giving ‘Hidden Beyond Time’ a far more melody drenched vibe that the English greats didn’t have. Don’t be mistaken though, this is a hard-hitting album as tracks such as ‘Godkiller’ proves, with its in your face vocal style, hard edged guitar leads and forthright pace. As up front as this track is though, there is still time and space for a little technical wizardry from the rhythm guitars and the solos produced are well timed and superbly executed.
All of the above-mentioned technical excellence is all very well, but if you can’t string a song together it’s all for naught. That is never going to be a problem for Green King though as they are kings of the song writing craft, and each song takes you on highs and lows, fast paced and slow, of melodic wanderings and thoughtful meanderings. No track out stays its welcome and each one has its own flavour and style. I’m especially impressed with the haunting interlude track ‘Prelude to Massacre’ that then lives up to its name by being followed by one of the most outright heavy Metal songs on offer, ‘Steel on ice’
‘Hidden Beyond Time’ is a staggeringly good album, and whilst I very rarely review Heavy Metal, this album could have me dipping into these waters a lot more in future.
(8/10 Marksson)
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