What do you get when you take the music (only the music, mind you) of early 80's Lizzy Borden and Iron Maiden (before Bruce)? You get the music of Stormspell Records' newest member, Blade Killer! (what?) I guess it "sounds" metal…
This L.A band really comes out swinging on the first cut "Don't Hold Back" and "Made of Steel" is nothing short of pure metal. The bass and drums drive you through a virtual mosh pit and drops you off in the middle of the circle.
"On the Attack" just slams. What more can I say. The complexity is in its simplicity. The vocals are powerful in this one and the guitars do that "Iron Maiden" type double lead where they both play the same thing only in different octaves.
This last one is "Raise your Fist". (It's a metal thing). A good closing song that really makes you wanna raise your fist to rock.
All of the music in these songs are tight and in the pocket. They really pack a punch and if you're not careful, you might get bruised. Excellent production for an EP from a label I never heard of. The bass is level with the drums, the guitars are mixed well and the vocals are clear. (Check out Stormspell.bigcartel.com for more bands you never heard of that might be cool).
Downside is the first number "Don't hold back". It starts and finishes strong, but the vocals are nothing to be desired. This changes as "Made of steel" makes its way, but still vocally challenged, though.
Upside are the last two ditties. Well worth the wait or just fast forward to them; you get true metal form here. These are the tracks I'd put on my MP3 player or whatever you kids are putting music on these days. I give Blade Killer an "A" for effort and a 6 for everything thing else. If you're up for it, check 'em out on Facebook or get stuff from their website.
Tim Duran, HMS
Older reviews