AVENGER - The Slaughter Never Stops

November 21, 2014, 9 years ago

(Rocksector Records)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.5

review heavy metal avenger

AVENGER - The Slaughter Never Stops

There were many unsung heroes that came out of the NWOBHM scene that never really materialized. Case in point, Avenger. Forming in 1982 in Newcastle, they released their debut full-length album Blood Sports in 1984. However, the band were one of many second-tier NWOBHM bands who fell by the wayside and they split up the following year. Fortunately, Avenger reunited in 2005. The band’s third full-length, The Slaughter Never Stops, celebrates the 30th anniversary of its iconic debut. At 11 tracks clocking in at 47 minutes in duration, it manages to keep the listener’s interest. The band has managed to retain its old school roots by capturing the energy it displayed in the mid-eighties. Similarities to Judas Priest, Raven and especially Iron Maiden’s first two albums is very evident, and the band’s cover version of “Killers” is a fitting tribute. They also utilize some tasty harmonized guitar leads that many of the traditional heavy metal bands pulled off back in the day, most notably on “Fields Of The Burnt” and “In Arcadia Go,” which the latter could be described as the band’s own version of “Aces High.” There’s also a few hints of thrash metal throughout the album, most notably on “Shot To Hell” and “Decimated.” Vocalist Ian Swift shares some similarities to original Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, but he’s also capable of hitting those ridiculous John Gallagher high notes. The Slaughter Never Stops isn’t setting any new precedents within the genre, but this is some well-played traditional heavy metal that definitely captures the early- to mid-eighties sound well.



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