Here’s another band originating in the good old New Wave of British Heavy Metal days still pumping out the good stuff over four decades later.
This time it is Rhabstallion and their new album entitled Bat Shit Crazy.
Rhabstallion formed around 1980 quite close to my little bit of God’s Own County – otherwise known as Yorkshire.
They had a loyal local following and whilst things didn’t work out for then back then they reappeared out of nowhere a couple of years or so ago with a most fine debut album called Back in the Saddle. An appropriate title indeed…..
Now here we are in June 2024 and Rhabstallion have followed up with Bat Shit Crazy – and it’s a stormer of an album. Full of enthusiastic swagger and attitude with a huge sound as it delivers the goods.
The NWOBHM roots are the undercurrent of course – however there’s much more to what Rhabstallion offer up here.
The jaunty riffs throb, cut, slash and roam free. Monster rhythm guitar, the lead breaks are concise not straying in to self-indulgence, big bass lines nicely up in the mix, solid drumming and big, powerful vocals strongly pumping things along.
The title track starts proceedings. A big, heavy, bouncy number which does not muck about. It’s fun too (which is the point to it I think) with a h-u-g-e chorus.
Better Late than Never, Now That You’re Gone and Strength Within Me continue the trend set by the title track each being propelled by a selection of the big riffs as they bounce along.
Ghost Dance has something of a mystical feel to it also alternating between the spiky riffs and the bigger stuff. A really enjoyable song leaning towards a bit of progressive metal and showing the band has a wider range.
That is also demonstrated on The House. This one’s a monster with a sinister edge. Gradually broods and builds up to the explosion as the big stuff comes in with the towering riff and the similarly towering vocal. Have a listen:
The fast drumming sets the pace on Sold My Soul as this one speeds along at pace and the spitting vocal. Great stuff.
The Call, Going Nowhere and Who Am I make up a fine trio to close out an album which is so good and so enjoyable.
Oh: to amp up the enjoyment further – the CD version has a couple of live tracks as a bonus. Both of them are banging.
Coming so soon after the new Demon album – Invincible – it’s been a fine period recently for bands from the NWOBHM days who know how things should be done.
Rhabstallion have given us a most fine album indeed.
Got my copy directly from the band here:
https://www.rhabstallion.com/shop
The re-issue of the Mendes Prey Never Ending Road anthology has arrived. More glorious classic NWOBHM. Review of that to follow…..
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.