Way back in the original New Wave of British Heavy Metal days (circa mid-1980s), Traitors Gate were one of the many bands who looked like they had “it”, slapped out a highly regarded EP (in this case the excellent but hard to find Devil Takes the High Road), gigged around a bit without getting the breaks then threw the metaphorical towel in.
And that was that for Traitors Gate…………………or was it……………?
The resurgence in NWOBHM interest a few years ago encouraged significantly by the Brofest events saw many a “forgotten” NWOBHM band reform to play the ‘Fest only to to find that they became in demand to play other festivals, have their old stuff re-issued or, in this case, record a new album.
Now, after thirty years “away”, Traitors Gate is back with a quite marvellous album – Fallen. There’s a train of thought subscribed to by some (not by me) that a bands which has been away for so long can’t be any good any more. Fallen blows that theory in to a million pieces.
With main man from the old days Andy D’Urso at the helm, he and his cohorts have treated us to a very fine album indeed. It’s not “traditional” NWOBHM – those roots are still plainly evident – Fallen is an up to date, more “refined” approach which has not insignificant melodic tones yet still hits hard.
Chunky chugging riffs, chords and hooks drive each cut along ably accompanied by a very solid drumming show and bass nicely up in the mix. Sy Davis puts in a towering vocal performance demonstrating lots of range and feeling. And when D’Urso cuts loose on the fretboard it’s a joy.
Some examples……
Deceiver would be at home on any Judas Priest album. And stand on its merits.
Edge of Destruction fairly rattles along with an infectious bridge as does the (arguably) stand-out track Sign of the Cross.
Check out Fall From Grace too with its big intro and guitar work leading to some particularly fine melodic vocals.
Check out this video for Edge of Destruction.
Plenty to recommend the return of Traitors Gate on this album. A very clear production job assists with the listening pleasure too.
Don’t let Fallen pass you by. NWOBHM rages on…….
>> FALLEN BY TRAITORS GATE AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON HERE <<
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