Further to a brief “pre-review” in a previous recent post about the release of Starblind’s second album, pleased to say that true to their word, the band sent over a review copy of the CD for me. Thanks lads.
After a good few listens my suggestion to you is don’t even think about it – just buy it!
Yes, the NWOBHM, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden influences are obvious though Starblind have their own style too.
They know what they like, know where their inspiration lies and have the chops to blast away with an album of very effective and enjoyable NWOBHM/classic metal style offering with a progressive tinge.
Mike Stark has a powerful, rangy vocal style well suited to the songs. The dual guitar attack of Björn Rosenblad and Johan Jonasson surge and soar away with pumping riffery, huge chords and excellent solo interplay something like a Tipton/Downing and a Powell/Turner for the more melodic bits. Shredtacular. You air guitar players will be in heaven. And let’s not forget a thumping rhythm section of Daniel Tilberg and Zakarias Wikner who keep things nice and tight.
The title track is an attention-grabbing opener and the whole album rattles and rocks along from there apace. Check out Stark’s vocal gymnastics on Firestone, the monster Lighthouse and the driving Room 101. Great stuff.
Here’s a video of The Lighthouse – a “ripsnorter” is it not?
As per my earlier “pre-review”, the last cut is the real stand-out. The epic Land of the Seven Rivers Beyond the Sea. In the “pre-review” I described it as this: “The first section alternates between serene pastoral acoustic medieval type strumming with short, punchy, powerful riffs and nifty fretwork.
The middle section tricks the listener as it slows things down after an initial killer guitar and you’re waiting for the explosion again as the guitars chuck away in the background getting gradually louder until it all kicks off again – you know it’s coming, not when. Stark re-enters the fray with more vocal acrobatics and it’s all systems go again with solo nirvana and everyone gets to shine.”
The more I have listened to it with the arrival of the CD, the more I hear in it. Remarkable stuff in my opinion. Excellent NWOBHM/classic feel with that progressive undertone and impressive guitar work. Kinda reminds me of Keeper of the Seven Keys style Helloween in parts. High praise indeed though more than worthy of it.
Dying Son sees Starblind step it up from their debut Darkest Horrors as they climb up the ladder a few more rungs towards breaking in to the big leagues which surely must happen for them.
>> STARBLIND DYING SON ON AMAZON – GET YOURS HERE! <<
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