It took me a few tries to get into it, but overall it is aggressive, seriously heavy metal. This was released by the backers of both Paganfest and Heidenfest festivals as their first effort at album production. This might have resulted in a bit of a samey feeling about many of the tracks. There aren’t lots of changes on here.
That said some reviews think this band has missed the mark a bit and I have to agree. There are times when you wonder if they want to go down the pagan party metal route or stay the death metal in all but name route. It would be cool if they were to go more for their jaunty side and less bog-standard metal. That said this is decent first effort that shows some promise. A band to watch for certain, just not quite there yet.
Ross the Boss: Hailstomr
Ex-Manowar man attempting to forge a career as a solo artist. His debut album was pretty good, as he took up where he left off with Manowar when he left them. I am not quite sure if this album does anymore than rest on those laurels. If you are into Ross the Boss’ time in Manowar then you will probably like this. Then again with Patrick Fuchs on vocals, there is a strong taste of Accept as well, especially on songs like “Crom”.
This is very sword and sorcery metal, the type that goes down well in Germanic countries. There is nothing inherent wrong with it, but to many it’s as cheesy as the band Europe at the height of their pomp. Ross the Boss is clearly trying to stake his claim at the top of the fantasy metal horde and dethrone his old band from their camp metal glory.
Not quite sure why, but this release left me rather cold. It's not a bad album, it just doesn’t send me and leap out of the speakers like a good cod metal album should. It should make you want to raise your fist and hail. A Ross the Boss album shouldn’t leave a feeling of “meh” and this one does for the most part. Fortunately the title track does a bit to save the day.
Well on that pomp metal note it's time to wish you a safe and rocking week.
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