Weekly Round-Up: May 2nd 2014

Judas Priest

First up are Metal legends Judas Priest. I have to admit that I was initially a bit ambivalent about this song as I feel, as do many others, that the band has damaged its own legacy with the two lackluster albums released since the much-heralded return of original frontman, Rob Halford, in 2003. The departure of founder member, KK Downing in 2011 only served to fuel these concerns. However, when Rob said in recent interviews that this is going to be heavy and it is going to be classic Priest, my fears abated a little. I still had reservations, though, about how the band would sound without half of its famed "twin-lead guitar assault". Now for the inevitable and unavoidable question: Is it any good? Well, yes and no. Yes, this IS classic Priest. Rob is on really good form and the song builds to a memorable chorus. The only thing that is niggling at me is that it sounds a little flat. I don't know if it is the lack of KK or if it is the production that is the problem, but there is definitely something missing. I want the new album to be brilliant, with my whole being, so I'm going to reserve final judgment until July. In the meantime, here it is, the first "single" from new album "Redeemer Of Souls" (released in July). Have a listen for yourself.

Arkona

The new album from Russia's Arkona, "Yav" is such a massive leap forward in just about every way that you may find yourself wondering, as I did, where did THIS come from. The songs are longer and twist and turn in a more prog-influenced style then before. The keyboards, spoken-word passages and atmospherics bring to mind the likes of Moonsorrow, Shining (Swe), Lifelover, Burzum, Behemoth and even Dutch hippies, Omnia. A truly stunning piece of work from this still overlooked band. Forget everything you know about Arkona. This is a whole different beast. Check out the brilliant "Ved'ma" below.

Crippled Black Phoenix

Imagine a darker, more macabre Pink Floyd forming a side-project with members of Neurosis and you are close to the interesting and unique sound of this fantastic and still fairly unknown band. From the sampled intros and ethereal, flowing vocals to the rhythmic drums and acoustic guitars, everything has its place and the songs are beautifully arranged to create the stunning masterpiece that is "White Light Generator". Simply put, you need this band in your life.

Heid

Now for an unsigned Pagan Metal Band from sunny Spain. Heid's mid-paced, Folk-infused Blackened Metal is bolstered by, the now familiar, whistles, violins, bagpipes and hand-held percussive instruments and in that respect, is similar in sound to bands such as Heidevolk, Cruachan, Svarsot and Arkona, but with a touch of Norwegian Black Metal and with added Spanish guitar! With the lyrics (apparently) steeped in the mythology and legends of their homeland, Heid bring Spain to join the "Native Folk Metal" party and when the music is this good, it's time for them to pour an ale and make themselves comfortable. On the strength of this EP alone, I am very much looking forward to hearing more from this band in the future. If you like it, why not pick up the album for just a few quid, here: http://heidpaganmetal.bandcamp.com

Prong

What can I say about the ever-reliable Prong, other than they should be bigger. Much bigger. The new album is, yet again, brilliant from start to finish and is chock-full of the memorable hooks and straight-up excellent song writing you would expect from the veteran, Tommy Victor. Prong have been plugging away since the late 80's and despite an ever-changing line-up, have released album after album of consistently strong Industrial-tinged Metal and that this band isn't spoken of in the same hushed reverence as the likes of Ministry and Pitchshifter is nothing short of criminal. I couldn't find a Youtube video for the new songs, so if you have Spotify, search for the new album "Ruining Lives". I recommend the track "Remove, Separate Self". It's a stomper.