STRIKER - Stand In The Fire
February 22, 2016, 8 years ago
(Record Breaking)
Fourth full-length from Edmonton speed merchants. Two years ago, City Of Gold saw the band all but abandon the (European) goodwill earned via Armed To The Teeth, in favor of a more North American thrash ethos (reviewed at the time as something of a mid-Nineties Annihilator platter). Leaping out of the speakers, a drum roll commences the “Phoenix Lights” lead-off, quickly followed by guitar and the realization Striker are back to what they do best, the (fleeting?) fascination with heavier sounds all but gone. There's always been a severe sense of tongue-in-cheek delivery and that sense of fun/spontaneity has returned, without any loss of intensity, although the ‘80s Big Hair anthemic “Too Late” might shock a few longtime fans. Same with the late appearing sax on otherwise ripping “Out For Blood”.
The prophetic instrumental “Escape From Shred City” comes closest to the speed of yore, but there's no wimps in the title track, “Outlaw” or wild, dual guitar ride called “Locked In”. Is it just me, or does it all get faster as you work through the eleven inclusions? Aside from the youthful, echoing lead vocals, “United” is a Primal Fear-ish mid-tempo, meat & potatoes number. The disc appears to end with a heartfelt ballad, “One Life”, but mid-way through it switches pace, ultimately fading out as a chugging riffer. Welcome back boys!
