Apparently the heavy-metal wayback machine is still running on full
steam. In addition to the retro-thrash movement that’s inspired a
fistful of excellent bands (Merciless Death, Hatchet, Warbringer,
Fueled by Fire), there’s a retro-New Wave of British Heavy Metal sound
emerging from garages and basements worldwide. These groups emulate the
sound of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden circa 1979-81, with high-pitched
vocals, melodic riffing and anthemic choruses. Highlights of this
13-track compilation include Powervice’s “Behold the Hand of Glory,”
which sounds like a Paul-Di’Anno-era Maiden tribute; Enforcer’s
“Mistress of Hell,” which throws some Mercyful Fate influence into the
mix; Voltax’s “Steel Maker,” which shows these Mexican teenagers have
been paying attention to the thrash band in the next garage over; and
In Solitude’s “Witches Sabbath,” featuring a vocalist who’s straight-up
cloning Rob Halford circa 1980. Is this the future? Nope. Is it fun?
Fuck, yeah. — Phil Freeman
This article appears in Mar 25-31, 2009.
