In the light of the atrocities in India the examination of this phenomena by any means is probably apt. Whether it be the the hard-hitting “Dhimmitude” or the blunt “Appeasement” this lot is not cutting any PC inspired corners. That is not to say the music is anything less than what you would expect from a quality release.
Unlike many such “issue” or “cause” releases the band make a clear effort to make an enjoyable album. While not quite The Wall or Operation Mindcrime this is certainly good enough to be the upper-tier of concept albums. Let’s face it tyranny, enslavement, religious extremism, and genocidal violence are not an alien subjects for conceptual albums.
The band’s influences are rather clear and there is a power prog element at its core. The Queen sensibilities seem to come in to add a rather more approachable element to the music. This is meant to be easy to get into and be recognizable, but original at the same time.
I am looking forward to the next part of this epic undertaking.
Bible of the Devil: Freedom Metal
The title rather intrigues and gets you ready for what lies therein. This is a great slab of rather straight ahead rock 'n' roll. That said there is an element of some of the power metal kicking around and there is a clear nod to Thin Lizzy on “500 More”. There are all the hallmarks of the classy Lizzy sound on here. What is funny, of course, is the lead singer has a very Gene Simmons quality to his voice.
In fact, the whole album has serious Kiss vibe to it… if Kiss did music that was less poppy and a bit more power metal. Would you buy a mixture of Kiss, Iron Maiden, and Thin Lizzy? The band manage a great combination of influences that make it a great listen. Enough there that is familiar but not enough to sound like copyists. The band even manage to get away with their highly ludicrous moniker without too much fuss.
BotD are not exactly breaking any heavy rock boundaries, but they certainly aren’t boring either. I really enjoyed this foray into some of the less pretentious realms of heavy metal and rock. Give em’ a try I guarantee a smile on your face.
CD Single
Hamtouchers: "Flames of Steel"
The new Warhammer song "Flames of Steel" is bloody brilliant. When I heard the new "live event" in Warhammer Online was called Heavy Metal I knew I was gonna stick around. Then again I should not be surprised I believe that Games Workshop had a label in the 80s which featured bands such as the mighty Bolt Thrower. Their album covers were distinctly influenced by the GW universe.
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