RMR management needs to revisit its n00b policy. There’s an annual list on the zine for lamestream metal acts that never got coverage and whose impact on metal, in general, is indisputable. Now, as they’re far removed from the underground, nobody in our swampy world of extremes cared to lift a pen for them – until now. And that turns them into first-timers, n00bs devoid of loving attention since the RMR zine started its nefarious activities.
But what about those bands like the Leicester-based NWoBHM outfit Blitzkrieg who – without a big-ass label to help – faithfully churned out material since 1980? This band got into the Heavy Metal business when the new-found hype was already waning somewhat. Since then, and under the fearless leadership of one Brian Ross (Satan), the band unleashed a fair amount of records. A process not without its aches and pains, judging by the extensive turnover and often long waits in between new albums.
Case in point, Blitzkrieg‘s last offering Judge Not! aired in 2018. So, no doubt they sailed right past our review pipe some six years ago. The RMR crew had other cats to fry back then, no pun intended. Oh, and before I forget it, this band has nothing to do with their Brazilian right-wing whacko namesakes, so get off their case. Instead, you get yet another metal band that’s not satanic or otherwise ideologically afflicted.
Instead, Blitzkrieg and their new self-titled album barter sturdy down-the-middle Traditional and Heavy Metal fare based on mystery, juicy conspiracies, and the occasional fantasy tale. The record contains everything an eager Heavy Metal soul may crave. Galloping riffs and often outstanding rave solos driven by Ross‘ son Alan. Sometimes mid-tempo and sometimes speedier, the full spectrum of Heavy Metal somehow appears. All of that driven by Brian Ross‘ vocals. Clears that don’t lose themselves in the urge to scream about the soundscape in a forced attempt to imitate others. Instead, the vocalist stretches his vocals from Saxon to limited heights nearest to Iron Maiden.
But there’s more than meets the ear. Dragon’s Eye refreshingly leans into Power Metal more than it should with its speed and fantasy airs. You’ll find some slightly doomy tropes in I Am His Voice with powerful riffing and an absolutely stellar solo. If I Told You contains those Dio-esque meaty riffs that this crew here always craves.
Blitzkrieg – the album – isn’t devoid of even more surprises. Methinks that towards the end of the songwriting process, the band felt the urge to add a little subdued prog. Mind you, not the mad musings of the djentology monsters. The ghosts of Nevermore are positively traipsing about backstage once The Night He Came Home leaves off. The powerful still slightly proggy ballad On Olympus High – Aphrodite’s Kiss rounds off a record that hid neat surprises at every corner of the way.
In fact, the RMR crew expected yet another Heavy Metal record, NWoBHM style. An album that would dish out traditional fare in a flurry of much of the same muchness. Metal we somehow heard somewhere already. And while some of that is true, Blitzkrieg stuffed the 49-minute airplay full of snazzy Easter eggs. Proof positive that grizzled metal warhorses still possess the songwriting chops to produce great Heavy Metal and won’t bore the audience to death.
It’s thus a pity that this band seems to be off the radar screen of many a zine out there. An underrated band in dire need of some more attention, even after all these years. They still got potential. Let’s hope they’ll make good use of it going forward. Because they ain’t getting younger.
Ed’s note: The band made it onto our 2024 list of lamestream n00bs. Click on the link to find out what we had to say!
Record Rating: 7/10 | Label: Mighty Music | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 6 September 2024
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