Steel Druhm summarizes his experiences on the recent 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise while downplaying and concealing crimes committed in international waters.
Jag Panzer
Sacred Leather – Keep the Fire Burning Review
“I’ve never been to Indiana, so I’m not acquainted with how they do things. After listening to Sacred Leather’s sophomore outing, Keep the Fire Burning, I’m definitely left wondering if time moves differently there, though. That’s because this is one of the most retro, throwback-y pure metal things I’ve heard in some time, with a sound so hopelessly locked between 1983-1986, that I feel my back hair receding as my olde denim jacket grows new new Venom and Motörhead patches. When I call this style “dated,” what I really mean is carbon-dated. Now, don’t take this as a criticism, as those years were some of the very best for classic heavy metal.” Firing the night.
Attacker – The God Particle Review
“New Jersey’s Attacker have a decades-long history but seem to exist in perpetual near-obscurity outside of the Tri-State area. Hitting the scene in 1985 with their Battle at Helm’s Deep debut, they were a part of the US power metal scene along with contemporaries Helstar, Liege Lord, and Jag Panzer. As with others in that movement, they blended Judas Priest andIron Maiden influences with increased speed. Now Attacker return with seventh album The God Particle. Will this be the fateful release that finally sees Weehawken, New Jersey’s finest getting greater exposure?” Do you come from the land of landfills?
Ruthless – The Fallen Review
“Ruthless have ancient roots in the metal scene but haven’t been active enough to gain much notoriety. Their Discipline of Steeldebut was released way back in 1986 when a young undisciplined Steel was living for exactly the kind of US power they deliver, but tragically, our paths never crossed. Turns out they didn’t release a follow-up until 2015 and The Fallen is their fourth full-length.” Tough and Ruthless or rough and toothless?
Cruel Force – Dawn of the Axe Review
“Cruel Force released two back-to-back albums in 2010 and 2011, both showcasing a blackened thrash style—and both pretty awesome—but after a decade’s hiatus, the band apparently felt the need for speed, morphing into more of a traditional US-style speed-infused heavy metal project a la Jag Panzer or Omen.” Wiolence and Cruel Force.
Jag Panzer – The Hallowed Review
“Jag Panzer should need no introduction to those who dwell on this blogosphere. Blasting the cannons of truth and US power metal far and wide since 1983, they’ve carved out a strong, consistent, and impressive niche for themselves over a long-running reign of glory. Led by the one-of-a-kind vocal prowess of Harry “the Tyrant” Conklin, Jag Panzer’s Ample Destruction debut shocked and awed the masses with its catchy, kick-ass heavy metal on roids sound, and it left the world waiting more. Band instabilities meant that the more part didn’t come until 1997s The Fourth Judgment, which showed the band in a more refined, epic mindset. From there though, the hits kept on coming.” Much Panzer!
Leathürbitch – Shattered Vanity Review
“The 80s were an interesting time to be a young idiot metal fan. As NWoBHM styles gave way to the early days of thrash and speed, there was this creative tension between acts that were 100% thrash and others that were not quite there but definitely speedy and aggressive. Bands like Savage Grace, Jag Panzer, and Agent Steel walked that line between US power metal, thrash and speed and I was always very enamored with that hybrid style. This puts what Portland’s retro metal maniacs, Leathürbitch do directly in the moldy wheelhouse of Steel.” Bonfires and vanity.
In Flames – Foregone Review
If you had told me three weeks ago that we were going to get a new In Flames record I would have asked you “Who cares?” But after listening to Foregone for a few weeks, they’ve got my attention.
Venator – Echoes From the Gutter Review
“Echoes From the Gutter finds Venator expanding upon the classic sound they established on the well-executed and well-received 2020 Paradiser EP, a sound that finds them worshipping with reverent fervor before the alter of the deities of early 80s British and American heavy metal. When I listen to these guys, I hear Defenders-era Judas Priest mixed with Jag Panzer, Angel Witch, and Omen; their songs are undeniably heavy and irresistibly catchy.” Hello from the metal gutter.
Night Cobra – Dawn of the Serpent Review
“Snakes are as metal as skulls and demons, and nighttime is when all the fun, sketchy things happen. Ipso facto, Night Cobra is a spectacular name for a metal band. Especially for one throwing back so hard to the early 80s that they probably suffered slipped discs and Romulan back gout. On their Dawn of the Serpent debut, these Texas-based retro rockers deliver a mix of NWoBHM and early American power metal.” Snake bitten.
