So, is this a difficult third full length release? No…, this expands upon their former ‘Termination Shock’ and provides a better balanced listen. If you are not familiar with this traditional heavy metal band, then they are akin to the current traditional metal scene, they have made great waves from their native Canada/USA roots into Europe, and we know how Europe adores this scene much more than over here in general.

‘Take the Wheel’ adds riffs that may have been influenced by classic era Maiden, but has the momentum if their songs like “Flash of the Blade”. The vocals add real melody and variation. This is typical of the bands “sound” and that solo, yeah, it’s demonising the fretboard!  ‘Dark Skull’ is more paced like Armored Saint, for me at this speed you hear much more warmth from the songs, picking out the vocals and guitar melodies in particular. This flows, commands attention and is arranged in a real professional way. ‘The Law’ harks to the sound of their last release. It’s not got the same delivery as other album songs on offer. Especially if you “shuffle” and have come across other tunes prior to this. ‘Rebels of Earth’ is a real special track, the sound goes into epic mode, could you flavour its as something like Queensryche or Crimson Glory would have produced. The resulting chorus line is emotive, compelling and bursts out in full vigour. The time changes are awesome, deft precision and the transitions in the arrangement are very exciting and pleasing. For me, this is the standout tune of the release.

‘Heavy Hearts’ is classy, fast and furious, I love the opening guitar run. The title is made to scream out loud at a live show. ‘No Fate’ takes me to the bands early days, ‘Vagrants of Time’ is like Widow, Night Demon etc, metal as metal, compelling in storytelling and additive for the true metal heated. ‘Prequel to Madness’ ends the album and maybe provides in title and approach of the direction of the group. Then you get a time change, nah, back to usual business. At over 7 minutes, expect the time signatures to change and the various influences to shine through.

In Europe Traveler are touring with Riot City and Night Demon, over here they have a few independent select shows planned which are advisable to attend. Traveler and Riot City were the last bands I saw before lockdown, so the memories are still vivid from their live show. This album isn’t to be missed, I have found it more redeeming than their previous offering but I still have a soft spot for their very early material!

(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/travelerheavymetal

https://travelermetal.bandcamp.com/album/prequel-to-madness-2