Blitzkrieg – Blitzkrieg
(Mighty Music - 2024)
(Style: NWOBHM)
Blitzkrieg were formed in Leicester in 1980, which makes them one of the founder members of NWOBHM. This, their self-titled release is out in early September, I am surprised and astounded by the quality on offer on this incendiary album.
Only Brian Ross (Vocals) remains from their debut in 1985, but he is well supported by the musicians who are on this record, they may be vintage or even veterans of a bygone era, don’t let that put you off. The album explodes with power with opener ‘You Won’t Take Me Alive’ Boom! A riff from the gods! The chorus is catchy and the dual guitarists weave together superbly as they play at lightening speed, what a start!
Next up we get ‘The Spider’ Ross’s vocals are more than impressive as the song picks up where they opener left off, Judas Priest come to mind as the song, it is another frenetic, rip-roaring slice of metal. ‘Dragons Eye’ is pure power metal as the band are propelled by the devastating rhythm section of Liam Ferguson (bass) & Matt Graham (drums).
I am listening in shock and awe as the guitars of Alan Ross & Nick Jenisson continue to bombard my senses, this Rocks with Metal. ‘If I Told You’ Is next and there is an unexpected change of pace, spoken word interludes give this Dio style song a dynamic that is compelling, if I told you more, I’d have to kill you! ‘On ‘Vertigo’ the album reaches new heights with tasteful licks flying at you from all directions, there is some great phrasing and more lung busting vocals, phew!
‘Above The Law’ is heavy and chunky with a bit more melody, especially in the chorus, again it features spoken word radio edits which adds to the atmosphere and density. This leads us nicely to ‘I Am His Voice’ which is another slice of storm trooping rampage! Rob Halford screams from Ross along with oh, oh, oh chants put in the Maiden camp, another great effort.
‘The Night He Came Home’ offers something different in a darkly nightmarish manner’ vocally there is a menacing twist. Horrors unfold as ghastly deeds are done and told. ‘On Olympus Heights (Instrumental) - Aphrodite’s Kiss’ is epic in construction, building from a gentle, seemingly acoustic start, just how much more have this band got in their armoury? This is an unexpected instrumental that segues into a power ballad of sorts and brings proceedings to a dramatic end and clearly demonstrates the talent of this group.
What else can I say than a totally unexpected masterpiece from start to finish, simply spellbindingly spectacular! The album cover is pretty cool as well!
By Paul Mace