German Heavy Metal styled band Kerrigan came to my attention during times of lockdown and an online music platform. Their demo was released as vinyl and cassette versions through another record label. Kerrigan are two musicians, Bruno Schotten handles the guitar and bass, whilst Jonas Weber handles vocals and guitars. Session drummer Jonathan Döring completes the recording line up.
Starting with ‘Eternal Fire’ you hear a fresh heavy metal approach. Riot City comes to mind for a more modern reference, without those insane vocals though. You will hear Widow(US), Helloween, Accept, Priest, Leatherwolf, Century (Swe) and many other stalwarts of the scene here and there. Vocally it’s very clear and precise and actually in some places I hear my own personal vocal similarity to Davy Vain (especially on ‘Child of Sin’) with a touch of the Wahlquist brothers (Heavy Load). There’s my favourite galloping sections, with a running guitar leads to follow, pretty much a mix of classic US metal and EU Power metal. Kerrigan capture a wonderful sense of harmony and an overall passion and energetic presentation. If ever there was a band suited to the “Keep It True” Festival stage, it’s this band. ‘Forces of Night’ of which the band have released a lyric video on You Tube, is more like the aforementioned Canadian’s, maybe even a more vibrant Heavy Load and nod to the older Scandinavian scene in general. The layered guitars really make the sound expand, the solo on this one takes me back to the heydays of this metal style, a big platform, a big stage, pyro everywhere. What an awesome tune this is!
‘Bloodmoon’ as a title track adds more epic, the lead break at the start prior to the vocals is strong and rewarding. The artwork itself is spectacular and the music associated with the song and album title matches a high expectation I have for title tracks in general. The overall package fills me with joy and energy. The multilayers of music that come through sound like a band of many years’ experience. ‘Child of Sin’ has all metal tricks and treats includes, Melody, some wicked guitar runs and an exciting energy. Yes I am becoming a little repetitive, but I am sure you get my meaning. There is not one single dull moment on this album. ‘Pull the Trigger’ has a running Scandinavian feel, ‘Hold the Banner’ much more American, even harking into the MTV era of bands from the 80’s, a touch progressive, but very effective, an incredibly dynamic tune. ‘Against the Westwind’ is slower, infectiously head banging in it tempo and the lead breaks sound a little distant on this one, but this still doesn’t take away its own character, I like the triplet like timing of some of palm muted pick action. ‘Mesmerizer’ closes the album in a very Accept [able] manner which could quite easily sit on classic albums like ‘Metal Heart’. But those other influences really kick in, the time change for the chorus poses a nice surprise also.
Newcomers this band may be, but years of metal are shoehorned into just over 41 minutes. As I mentioned earlier, every track is strong, the melodies immediately grab your attention and the overall feel if strong and positive. I have really enjoyed this one, Kerrigan could really make a big splash for themselves in the pool of awesome heavy metal bands going forward. ‘Bloodmoon’ is highly recommended; it’s quite simple like traditional heavy metal, listen to this.
(9/10 Paul Maddison)
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