Black Wings

Untitled Document This is the second release by this Swedish band and once again, the influences from 80's metal music prevail. I'll bet that this band knows how to play every song on Iron Maiden's first two albums as quite a few of the guitar riffs and the 2 part guitar harmonies are very reminiscent of early Maiden. Their first self-titled album was a modest success in Europe landing them opening slots for such bands as Edguy, Paul Di'anno And Killers and received rave reviews by the European critics. Although some may argue that this band is ripping-off Maiden on some songs (and I have to admit they do come close at times!!!) It is a refreshing change to hear a young new band playing 80's style metal and not the typical Power Metal style or Death/Black style that seems so popular right now although there are a few bands such as Primal Fear, and True Metal acts such as Hammerfall and Lost Horizon that are enjoying success playing a very 80's influenced style of metal. I absolutely love music that has instrumental breaks and sudden tempo changes that erupt in a frenzy of drums, guitars in the middle of the song (a la Maiden!!) and this album is full of that stuff. The vocalist, Nick Olsson, has a good strong powerful voice along the likes of Kai Hansen or at times a bit like Rob Halford and really compliments the sound of the band. With so many new bands going for the slick polished Power Metal sound, it is great to hear a new band playing a more raw reckless metal sound and at times I also hear influences from bands such as Saxon, Motorhead, Accept and Running Wild as far as the guitar sounds (no ultra-chunky detuned guitars here!!). The songs are strong with each being built around a main riff (a staple of 80's style metal) and are fairly fast-paced (with the exception of Venom). A few tracks really stand out upon early listens and one track in particular, Genocide, just KILLS!!. A very fast paced almost Motorhead-like song with excellent riffs and great lead breaks. Another solid track, I Am The Devil, has sections that sound like parts of Ghengis Khan and Transylvania by Iron Maiden (but what's wrong with that??). The Curse and Unholy Night, two more great tracks, have those instrumental breaks mid-song with Unholy Night also having some slower more expressive soloing. Another major influence on this band is evident by their decision to use Thomas Holm (who designed Mercyful Fate's Melissa and Don't Break The Oath album covers) to design the cover but also to cover Mercyful Fate's A Dangerous Meeting as the final track on the album. A stunning version of an absolute metal classic!!...well done guys!! Overall, the musicianship is top notch by all members of the band with good fast shredding on most of the guitar solos, good drums and bass and great vocals. Production-wise, the sound is solid although the vocals could be a little more fuller and more up in the overall mix and some of the leads could be a bit louder but these are very minor points. The only faults with this band may be the lack or originality in some cases and the fact that not many songs have any real choruses to them. That may be by choice or may reflect that we are dealing with a young new band that will mature in time. I expect great things from these guys in the future and if you're into 80's style heavily Maiden-influenced metal and haven't heard anything new in that genre for quite a long time, these guys are for you..........