In 2020 I bought a demo by this American band, I was rather pleased to hear of this album release. The artwork is particularly striking and vibrant as soon as the album starts, this has some kick to it, there is momentous energy right from the get go.

‘Rip N Tear’ begins like a hammer to an anvil, there is a deliberate Judas Priest reference and I would also say the energy of Riot City, as the vocals kick some rear. If you don’t get it from the start, then I would suggest moving along. Those who remain will be rewarded with a track that really embodies the traditional metal scene. Solos, melodies, screams, hammering drums. The next one ‘Run to the Light’ begins like a live show ends, then the riff starts, the speed is fast with some melody, if you know Night Demon, here you have a perfect support band. What Show N Tell have is a singer in David Rodriguez who has a phenomenal vocal range, like those Canadian’s I mentioned earlier. The solo on this one, air guitar won’t even keep up mate, the speed of the rhythm playing too, I’m probably just a bit too rusty, but this is speed, precision and metaaaaaal!

‘Night Stalker’ has an 80’s guitar sound, a cross between Crue’s first couple of albums and Priest’s “Point of Entry” album. Here you can hear a slight straining and a melody akin to ‘Too Young to Fall In Love’ by those alleged bad boys of the sunset strip. During the solo, the staccato guitar backing adds for me the characteristic of the likes of Leatherwolf, majestically, the arrangement is perfect for me. What a tune! With a title of ‘Heavy Metal’, you would expect something special wouldn’t you, well if you head out on the highway and make it through West Hollywood, then you have the scene set for this track. No guys, “heavy metal will never die”, damn straight, and those of the underground are indeed giving it all. On the first listen you have the lyrics implanted, the infectious nature, the solo, come on, you are putting the rest of your peers to shame, yes we want heavy metal!

‘The Ritual Has Begun’ contains some awesome twin guitars and multi-tracking, the drum patterns take the song to different places. This arrangements isn’t just of one dimension, the change near the end really characterises a quality piece of song writing, the harmonies that come from the music could only be challenged by some of the leaders in this field, yep, tick that box, another friggin’ awesome track gents. ‘I’m Alive’ features from their first demo, it has a strong bass presence, and a few lead breaks that could break some hearts. This is where it started for me with this band, you can hear the quality. ‘Tortured By Reality’ continues the priesthood, Phoenix Arizona may be sometimes considered hotter than hell, but these guys melt your face with their music alone. ‘All Alone Tonight’ lowers the register initially, this one takes me to early Ambush (Swe), what more can I say, nailing the metal once again, oh my, there are my favoured gallops in the guitars at the end! ‘The Second Death’ has a thumping Queensryche feel to it and is the only track that isn’t ruled by immense speed, but what it does have is power, an art of grapping your attention and immersing you into the song.

If you have the January blues, this will kick you into life, don’t forget about it come end of years honours, but with an album as fresh as this, the memories will remain for a long time. This album reminds me of my youth, it’s a fresh and in your face addition to the bulging US scene, not just another band or album, these boys really stand up and make themselves be counted. I am really excited by this album I have to say, what’s that cliché…buy or die! Raise the chalice, throw the horns, bang your head, this is some ferocious heavy metal

(9.5/10 Paul Maddison)

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https://officialshowntell.bandcamp.com/album/the-ritual-has-begun