Tag Archives: heavy music

Desert Storm – Death Rattle Album Review

Posted on by
Reply

Desert Storm – Death Rattle

APF Records

Release date: 31/03/2023

Running time: 48 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

9.9/10

Make no mistake: a new album from Oxford riff titans Desert Storm should be marked on your calendar with gleeful anticipation.  Three years ago, when I reviewed their release du jour “Omens” for the mighty Ever Metal, I proclaimed that here was a home-grown band who could really step up to national consciousness.  I threw my horned Viking helmet in the ring then, and I’m standing by that statement now.

If you want dirty, big, caveman stoner rock then you’ll find it on lead bruiser ‘Master of None’.  If you crave sludge-ridden creations that still have groove in full force, it’s here on ‘Druid’s Heath’ and ‘Insomniac’.  Thudding, slow paced doom?  You’ll need to hear ‘Self Deprecation’.  Most importantly, if you want heavy music that’s progressive, daring and unafraid to explore whatever sonic vistas can be conjured, you’ll find that too – and plenty of it.    

What impresses most of all with “Death Rattle” is how much further Desert Storm are willing to go to really push the boundaries.  Every song is intricately crafted with multiple sections and features for different instruments and sounds.  The molten fury is tempered with instrumental passages that are – well, beautiful.  ‘Bad Trip’ is the best, but by no means only example: warm, mellow passages that build to shattering crescendos. 

I’ve never given a ten out of ten review ever for Ever Metal, because I’m a miserable old bastard.  Still haven’t been quite that generous.  But “Death Rattle” almost persuaded me to go to the max.  It’s really that fucking good.  The musicianship, the creativity, the execution: all brilliantly awe-inspiring.  And it gets better with each listen! 

“Death Rattle” has been created by Desert Storm, and released by APF Records.  Listen to it, live with it, explore it.  One of the best albums of the year, no doubt.

Desert Storm are all over the Infernal Web, check ’em out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify, Bandcamp and YouTube.

This review has been brought to you by Platinum Al and the wonderful Ever Metal.

Scrap Metal Vol. 2 – Album Review

Posted on by
Reply

Various Artists – Scrap Metal Vol 2

RidingEasy Records

Release date: 10/02/2023

Running time: 41 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

8.5/10

All hail the return of the forgotten kings!  Yes, it’s another instalment of long lost and forgotten classics with the second “Scrap Metal” collection from RidingEasy Records!  Much like their Brown Acid series, which compiles obscure late 60’s/early 70’s psych hard rock, here we’re delving into the murky depths of early 80’s metal.  This is the realm of studded belts, band patch covered denim jackets and of course, mullets: prepare to ROCK!

We begin with ‘Running for the Line’ by JJ’s Powerhouse – a lightning-fast ripper that reminded me of Judas Priest playing a cover of Budgie’s ‘Breadfan’.  It’s a great, energetic start to the proceedings.  Next is Storm Queen, with another fast-paced attack in ‘Raising the Roof’.  Furious fun from this Welsh power house.

‘It’s a Crime’ declare Jameson Raid, and it is indeed a crime that these Brummie bruisers didn’t achieve more in rock’n’roll.  A.R.C. have a punk’n’roll edge that makes their song ‘Homemade Wine’ something to savour, it’s the rawest track here so far.  Metropolis hail from San Jose, and their track ‘The Raven’ has a dark, mid eighties thrash sound and killer intro riff.

Staying with the USA, Prowler from San Diego offer up ‘Temporary Insanity’ – more mid-eighties thrash infused metal that recalls early Anthrax.  Following that, Christian Steel deliver ‘Need Your Love’ – a fairly cliched, but still fun, banger.  If these guys are Christians, I’ll bet their church group won’t be impressed with what they’d like to do to a lady (outside of matrimony too, I suspect).  ‘Sidewinder’ is one of the best tracks gathered here, a punchy rocker from Black Rose.      

‘Star Trippin’’ is by Dark Age.  Dark Age are apparently a band of youngsters: the guitarist was jut 12, and his brother on vocals two years younger when this song was written.  It’s fun, but very strange listening to the helium high-pitched voices.  It’s like Alvin & The Chipmunks playing Crue covers.  Finally, we have Sorcery with their mystical Zep-a-thon ‘Whales’.  Crazy title for a crazy tune.  There’s a mellow hippyish intro, which is obliterated by the crushing mega riff which powers the song along.  Over the top magnificence.

From NWOBHM inspired tracks, to proto thrash and full-on goof ball metal ragers, Scrap Metal Vol 2 has plenty of variety.  Maybe not so much depth, but it’s not for want of trying with some of these bands.  At the end of the day, all of these songs are fun and it’s great to know they’ve been rescued from oblivion.  Now, raise those horns and roar!

Check out RidingEasy Records online, on Bandcamp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in partnership with Ever Metal.