Here’s one which I believe these days is classed as new wave of traditional heavy metal – though I can hear plenty of New Wave of British Heavy Metal influences going on, which is, er, music to my ears.
Galaxy hail from “down under” – Melbourne. Band consists of Stuart Callinon (guitar, bass), Phillip T. King (vocals) and the always excellent Simon Phillips guesting on drums. Phillips of course having quite a pedigree having played with Judas Priest, Michael Schenker, Jeff Beck and any number of others over the years.
On the Shore of Life is the band’s debut album and it’s an interesting one. As mentioned, the NWOBHM influences are all over it. Think early Priest, Angel Witch, Tytan and similar with some progressive and dark, doomy elements. And it’s a bit quirky too which adds to the listening pleasure.
The guitar work is nice and varied. Chunky riffs which slice, cut and power along without becoming repetitive with the solos coming in at the right points and deliver the goods without becoming self-indulgent. I like that plenty. Simon Phillips excellent drumming is a given. He never fails to deliver.
The downside for me slightly are the vocals. When it gets to the higher register stuff, Phillip T. King seems to struggle a bit. Sounds to me like perhaps he’s either trying too hard or doesn’t quite have the range.
That said – On the Shore of Life is a fine album and a promising start for the band. The eight songs are all well-written and delivered in that retro/NWOBHM style which is most certainly “my bag”.
Bright Stars a solid, beefy opener. Valentine and Gemini quite powerful too and a bit spacey I think. Daughter in the Distance starts out as a sort of dreamy acoustic thing. Then at around the four minute mark is bursts in to life with a huge riff leading in to thrilling last minute and a half of the song. Great stuff.
Firelight Palaver changes style a bit with it being a slower, darker, mystical song and I admire the use of the word palaver very much. A word which should be used more……!
Then the closer – We Enter the Door of Death Alone – in my opinion is the monster cut. Great cutting riff driving it along, Changes of pace, deft solo touches, progressive. An excellent six and a half minutes indeed.
Have a listen:
On the Shore of Life is a very promising debut album from Galaxy. I especially like the NWOBHM influences – but then I would, wouldn’t I…..! Varied styles, beefy riffs, and the always reliable Simon Phillips on the drums. It’s only the vocals I can’t quite get on with when the higher register parts come in. However that doesn’t detract too much and it is a fine listen overall.
Do check Galaxy out. Here are various links from which the CD and other formats are available from:
AMAZON:
https://amzn.to/30JlPgO
PLASTIC HEAD RECORDS:
https://www.plastichead.com/
DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS:
https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/galaxy-on-the-shore-of-life