Well its time for another collection of music for you to consider. Considering the comment last week, I will try to make this week's offerings as uncomplicated as possible.
CD Reviews
White Wizzard: Over the Top
Its hard to imagine that this release is in fact this band’s debut full-length CD as they have been around for quite a while. Their previous effort, seven tracks long, was in fact only a taster of an EP to wet our appetites. Remember back in the day, ironically a time which this band evoke in spades, when seven tracks was acceptable for a “full-length”? White Wizzard continue their quest to invoke the new wave of British heavy metal sound that so enthralled the world back in the 80s.
Imagine some of the also-rans from the day that never had quite enough money to produce a high-quality album. That is what this band is like to me. They evoke bands like Diamond Head and that whole genre of metal. Vocally the band sound less like Bruce Dickinson fronted Iron Maiden and closer to the rough edge vocal style more common in that era. Think bands like Grim Reaper. Then again, that is quite a clever ploy. Younger audiences probably only know of handful of NWOBHM bands, so today this band sounds fresh and new. There is no doubting the quality of the musicianship displayed here.
What White Wizzard do so well is bring together modern metal fans with those that wax nostalgic about the “golden age.” How can you not like tracks like “High Roller” and the title track? Then again, the tea party types might appreciate the track “Live Free or Die.” This is some quality old school heavy metal that is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.
Savage Messiah: Insurrection Rising
Another promising thrash metal band from the UK. These guys are as old school thrash as WW are old school metal. And thank heaven for bands like them both. This is some great thrash done by guys who really know how to pump out the quality, while retaining the drive and angst. There is no attempt to merge so-called modern sounds with thrash. This is the real thing, pure melodic thrash pleasure, as if the last 30 years never happened.
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