STRIKER - Armed To The Teeth
July 25, 2012, 12 years ago
(Napalm)
The young, retro-minded Canucks have issued their sophomore effort. Ran into them last year, in Germany, where they were performing as part of the Headbangers Open Air after-party. Trilling, high-pitched vocals, traditional heavy metal is the name of the game: no keyboards, no ballads, as the marketing slogan used to say. While not the first band to borrow the album title, haven’t seen one in a couple dozen years, which is squarely (the headspace) where these guys come from, despite their age. ‘Let It Burn’ positively smokes! ‘It Could Be Worse’ is an ode for the age, making the best out of what you’ve got, diametrically opposed to the neysaying 90s shoegazer mentality, complete with some vintage JUDAS PRIEST approved riffs. DRAGONFORCE speed kicks off ‘Wolf Gang’. As the titles ‘Feel The Fire’ and ‘All The Way’ suggest, the name of the game is speed, although at times there’s an element of more commercial 80s sounds. While I still prefer numerous like-minded Swedish retro acts ahead of this (BULLET, WOLF, PORTRAIT, ENFORCER, STEELWING, etc.) good to see someone new/young on this side of the pond getting recognition (signed!) for plying a long lost trade.
