Cloven Hoof originated back in the late 1970s in the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene.
Still going in 2024 and with original member Lee Payne remaining, the band release Heathen Cross a couple of years after the excellent Time Assassin.
Over the years Cloven Hoof have had more line-up changes than Spinal Tap had drummers who died in bizarre gardening accidents or other misfortunes.
More changes here with the notable one being the addition of Harry Conklin on vocals.
I liked Time Assassin a lot and spin it regularly, thus was looking forward to Heathen Cross with some anticipation when news of the album came out hoping that it would at least match Time Assassin.
After a good few listens – I don’t think it does. It has it’s moments though to me ears Heathen Cross sounds like perhaps the band is trying too hard with the songs, whilst nicely heavy, come over as rather generic a somewhat like I thought the current Judas Priest offering of Invincible Shield does.
Redeemer, Do What Thou Wilt and Last Man Standing for example sound to me very much alike and somewhat “cookie cutter”.
It’s not until late on that things pick up with the better stuff such as Curse of the Gypsy, Sabbat Stones and The Summoning.
With that trio of songs, Cloven Hoof step it up nicely moving in to territory reminiscent of Dio-era Black Sabbath or Dio solo stuff along the lines of say Heaven and Hell or Holy Diver.
Check out Sabbat Stones for example:
The musicianship is fine with a clear production. Conklin’s vocals are loud and clear though do sound a little stretched at times.
Overall though, Heathen Cross is an album which I’d categorise as competent rather than spectacular. Only my opinion of course…..
>> CLOVEN HOOF HEATHEN CROSS ON AMAZON <<
The new one from Rhabstallion arrived yesterday. More from classic NWOBHM-era bands still on the go. Their previous one – Back in the Saddle – was jolly good. Will review the new one shortly after a few spins.
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