There are a number of recent Canadian bands like Cauldron and Skullfist flying the flag of traditional early 80’s influenced heavy metal, and now we can add Python into this category. Hailing from the Toronto/Hamilton area – this four piece have released their first E.P. consisting of 4 tracks cloaked in the NWOBHM style and sounding very low-fi in the process.
What I like about the approach is how the music comes across – raw in spots, but certainly edgy enough for my tastes. The recording is obviously nothing fancy and the lack of studio tricks coupled with the low-fi approach makes for a pleasant listening experience overall. Now as I sat back and gave each tune a listen too, it didn’t take me long to get transported back to the good ‘ole days of NWOBHM.
The opening track – “Survive Another Night” cuts hard, bringing a bit of Motorhead intensity into the song-writing. The tempo is obviously fuel injected to rip the heads off concert goers in a live setting and I feel this song will be fully appreciated when played live. The next track “The Fire Burns” begins with a subtle opening, but then combusts into a driving number that recalls early Chateaux. This song is not quite as strong as the first number, but the vocals of guitarist Adam Peach really stand out here.
The remaining two tracks are arguably the strongest on the E.P. and we’ll start with “Scarewolves” first. Lyrically and riffing-wise, this reminds me most of Grim Reaper given the quick pacing and galloping leads that are most often associated with the band. I really dig the approach here and found the song exhibiting the most chances for frantic head-banging. The last song “Exonerating Rage” is backed by some heavy Sabbath style riffing and snarling vocals contributed by Peach. There’s a really doomy feel to the number and I really dig his voice here the most. I hope to see how he develops over the course of the next few years, provided how they can push the style a bit.
On a whole this is a great start for Python. The low-fi recording dates their sound a bit, but for those who enjoy the throwback to simpler days, then this will do the trick. Obviously, the band wear their influences on their sleeves, so you can expect to hear the sound of bands like Grim Reaper, Raven and Angel Witch come out heavily in the mix. That’s not a bad thing at all, but I am curious where they take this template in future releases.
Kenneth Gallant, HMS
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