The name will be known, I saw the band recently in Germany and they were well received. There is an infamous track that most people regard as their signature tune, but there are more days (not just “one of those days”!) to enjoy this album in particular over and over. I must admit, I wasn’t jumping around for their last release, however, this one really has slapped me down; this is a fantastic release (as some of you may have immediately jumped to the rating below!).
‘Blackthorn’ is like the bands classic material, the production is immense and will figure a lot in my comments to follow, as will the vocal harmonies. The title track ‘Wolf at the Door’ holds a great level of guitar sustain at the start, typical in the lead guitar I might add also. The track itself is happy and bouncy, groove driven in a nice way, it reminds me of the other British band Sacrilege (Kent), the NWoBHM band, especially the vocal tone being similar. For this one, there is a super change of pace that reminds me of classic Deep Purple. ‘Live like a King’ might have you comparing to the Priest classic ‘Victim of Changes’ from its riff, followed by crowd pleasing gang vocals. The overall track is addictive like the chorus and there is a real jewel of quality, a beautiful section after the second verse that leads into the solo. I’d describe this phenomenon as progressive with increasing shades of metal!
‘Other Worlds’ starts softer, the vocals take, but also give back immense emotion. I like the use of the time signatures during the verse, with the added spice of the augmented chords. This has a dramatic effect on the sound and the listener’s reaction. As I mentioned earlier, the lead guitar tone is a special one, not sound harmonised or double tracked. You may not get a raging metal monster but you do get immense quality and warmth, the arrangement from this and the album overall are nothing short of top class. For a bit more out of space feeling, you should take a wander to ‘Daggers Drawn‘. This I find a mix of Hawkwind, Sabbath and Dark Matter (another band from the same region in the UK). Whilst the dagger is out, take care with the mysticism overlaid over some masterful fretboard dexterity.
‘Unsinkable’ tells the tale of the Titanic’s last hours, this is a near dark serenade, the atmosphere captured puts you in the ship and you feel part of the story being told, wait for the ripping solo too. ‘Force of Nature’ has a similar stance and passion exhumed on Rainbow’s “Rising”, there is subtle and appropriate use of Hammond organ with the already established, awesome guitar harmony. Once again, you can become immersed in the moment and the songs story. ‘Stranger in Paradise’ sounds very much Vai or Satriani inspired whilst ‘Ghost Pilot’ is a monster rock tune. ‘Crooked Cross’ picks up the Blackmore influence with pace.
Trespass have nailed the art of making the listener feel part of the tune. It’s not all about blazing a million notes per minute, there is a vast array of ideas and talent and the special moments reward you accordingly. Overall, I am VERY impressed with the production. There is massive achievement here and Trespass have made a remarkable piece of music on this album. As I said, I didn’t have high expectations, expect the unexpected and you will get your just deserts. This is a phenomenal records from start to finish and an album that I have really enjoyed playing over and over again, finding new things each time, total gratification is easily achieved over this album.
(9/10 Paul Maddison)
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