(Shadow Kingdom)
The dominatrix fronted group of purple hooded metal maniacs are back, with album #5, a decidedly more mature effort. Seen these hard working/touring Kentuckians several times, watching the progress, on pretty much an annual basis.
They write some damn infectious (and often tongue-in-cheek hilarious) anthems, built for the live stage. Sort of surprising then, that the album kicks off with a 63 seconds guitar instrumental, “Three Red Candles”. The ten remaining proper tunes dish out the usual mix of campy occult sexuality.
“Warriors Call” rides a locomotive chug that’s only broken by a short swirl/break of guitars, midway through. The tempo enlivens somewhat, for “Black Rider”, where Stacey Savage’s offers echoing vocals. “The Edge Of Evil” harkens back to the glories of hair metal yesteryear (and it’s not alone, see “I Never Wanna Fall In Love”).
“Devil’s Child”, while not a Judas Priest cover, is easily the best song on the album: a jack-hammering riff that bores itself into the brain, never to be dislodged. Apart from Stacey’s ominous spoken voice-over, “Screams From The Cellar” has an early 80s Sunset Strip feel (sort of “Too Fast For Love” redux).
Opening with a twin salvo of racing guitar solos, “Never Ending Fire” ups the pace once again. Lumbering, mid-tempo “Devil Rock” is just as generic as that title implies. Same can’t be said of “When The Twilight Meets The Dawn”, featuring blazing guitars and a bit of Motörhead “Bomber” footwork on the kick drums. Good stuff! The disc ends with a full blown ballad, “Cold Hearted Death”, that actually begins with hi-hat and drum sticks against the rim of the kit (if not a wooden block).
Wouldn’t be surprised to learn there were actual brushes on the snare too. The only cut to exceed five minutes, at 6:14 it’s twice as long as a couple others herein! As it winds down, goes off on another emotive guitar run, similar to the one that started the album, bringing everything full circle.
More fuel for the pyre. Can’t wait to ignite the spark again! Check this out, then go see them in concert. Fun times, both.
Rating: 8.0
Source: bravewords.com
