With my thanks to Daniel Tilberg, bassist for Starblind, I have the opportunity to review the band’s debut album – Darkest Horrors. This goes down as the most pleasant surprise album of the year for me. A proper heavy metal/rock album like they should be. A classic sounding mix of NWOBHM influences and classic rock. Massive clear powerchords over a solid backbeat, outstanding twin guitar work and a vocal performance of depth and range. Marvellous stuff and a real pleasure to listen to.
Now whilst it is not hard to figure out where Starblind’s influences lie (hint……isn’t Starblind the title of a song by I**n M****n) they do it all in their own way and it works outstandingly well. Yes, it’s Maiden-esque with twinges of Sin After Sin period Judas Priest, early Scorpions, a bit of Angelwitch and other classic rock type stuff though that’s not a put-down at all as the band have their own style around it. From the first note of Ascendancy to the last note of Temple of Set this is a stormer of an album. Forgive the cliché – really is “all killer and no filler”.
The opener, Ascendancy, sets the tone with a forceful riff and frantic guitar breaks. Awesome. Every song is delivered in a true NWOBM/classic style and well-crafted. Listen particularly to the soloing. Fast, frantic, melodic, structured, to the point. Bjorn Rosenblad and Johan Jonasson really rip it up and bounce off each other. Think Tipton/Downing and you’ll be close. Yes, they really are that good.
Whilst one is shredding it for all they are worth the other lays down those big chords. Mike Stark has a huge set of pipes and range. Not forgetting the solid pounding rhythm section of Tliberg and Zakarias Winker.
Every track hits the spot. Even the ones with a gentle intro (for example Crystal tears) you know the crescendo is coming and when it does…..BOOM. Proper, proper heavy metal which should keep anyone of this persuasion happy. As is often the case, it’s the closing track which is the highlight (not that there are any low lights here, there are not). Temple of Set is a nine minute cut of the finest quality. The guitar work really stand out and the whole cut reminds one of the old MSG classic Lost Horizon.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect when Daniel asked if I’d like to review. When the CD arrived I noticed it says “New Wave of Classic Heavy Metal” down the spine. A fitting description indeed. Sums it up in six words and delivers exactly that. Even the cover artwork has a sort of 1950s B-movie horror poster feel about it. A monster, monster album make no mistake. The highest of highest recommendations to get your ears around it right now.
If you’re in to the whole MP3 thing – you can do the download thing from Amazon here.
Or if you prefer the physical product – you can get the CD from Stomspell Records here.
Song samples there to be checked out as well. After you listen you’ll want it. Check out the band’s web site too: http://starblind.se to see what they are about and other reviews then you’ll know it’s not only me who thinks Darkest Horrors is a cut above.
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