Weekly Round-Up: Jan 18th 2014

Chrome Division

Shagrath (he of Dimmu Borgir 'fame') and his bunch of merry bastards return with another collection of motorcylce riding, hard rocking and hard drinking, classic-rock anthems. The first few seconds of the first real song "Endless Nights", with it's blatant, cheeky nod to Bon Jovi, pretty much sets the tone - this is all about the vintage, with its potent blend of 70's Hard Rock, 80's Metal and 90's Grunge. If you want intelligent lyrics, cutting edge music or technical expertise, look elsewhere - this is a group of guys having fun in a good, old-fashioned rock band. It'll put a big grin on your face as it takes you back to the hazy days of your youth (providing you are 30+).

Mustasch

With frontman, Ralf having become a Swedish media darling over the last couple of years  - as a TV personality, fashion guru and even an entrant in the Swedish Eurovision heats - have Mustasch still got their edge or is this a toned-down, cynical attempt at commercial success? Well, the answer is that it is certainly different from the older Mustasch sound, coming across a bit like Abba meets Thin Lizzy via Judas Priest at times (see/listen below). Fortunately, that is NOT a bad thing. This is a fun romp through an instant and catchy set of Pop Metal songs that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head - even just for a while.

Iskald


Straight from the old-school and from the 'ice cold' (it's the translation of the band name) heart of Norway, this offers nothing in the way of surprises, but it certainly does deliver a dose of rhythmic, frosty Black Metal which should appeal to fans of the genre. I find it rather reminiscent of mid-era Dimmu Borgir, if that helps!?

Nilfgaard

The debut album from this Polish Melodic Death Metal band is nothing you haven't heard before, but what it lacks in originality it makes up for with some good, if not particularly memorable songs. They have a long way to go musically and the vocalist is a bit ropey, but given time and experience, this could well be a band to watch within the genre. Fans of the likes of "Heaven Shall Burn", "Dark Age" and "Before The Dawn" should give this a try. Where it may never become a favourite, there are worse ways to while away an hour.

Skull Fist

Ah, Skull Fist, you ridiculous bunch of 80's Metal throwbacks, you. This is ludicrous in just about every single way, although I suspect that they take this very seriously indeed. This is a passionate, heartfelt and genuine homage to 1985. From the ridiculous soloing to the high-pitched vocals, this is very much as acquired taste, but if you like White Wizzard, Enforcer, et al, then this is probably one for you. I have to admit that I find this to be an enjoyable album, albeit one to file under "guilty pleasures".