Another week, another review request. This time from Toledo Steel drummer Matt Dobson. Always happy to oblige and the CD version sent by Matt hit the letter box this morning. Containing three hard-hitting tracks it’s been with me in the car all day and I drove around here to there and back again. Do I like it? Yes. Would I recommend it? Oh yes.
First, just who are Toledo Steel? Hailing from Southampton (well, that’s probably not their fault….) and formed in 2011 they describe themselves as: “Hard hitting classic metal from Southampton, Toledo Steel bring the NWOBHM sound back to the 21st century.” Influences include Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Cauldron, NWOBHM. One can hear that from the EP. It’s really excellent that around forty years after NWOBHM it is still influencing the new bands of today.
The band were on the bill at the recent Brofest #2 with a host of well remembered names from the New Wave of British heavy Metal classic era and that’s no bad thing. Getting noticed and building up a following.
So, the EP. It’s “in yer face” sure enough. Not hard to recognise the influences (I’d say there’s a bit of Witchfynde and perhaps Vardis in there too as well as the aforementioned) but with plenty of originality. Chunky, riffy in your head instantly chord structures, nice guitar work and a thumping rhythm section allowing vocalist Rich Rutter to strut his stuff too. Even though it’s 2014, these boys sound like it’s 1978 – and I mean that very positively indeed. A classic NWOBHM sound that’s still oh so relevant today.
Alcatraz and Black Widow are straight ahead no nonsense stuff that’ll grow on you. Raw and ready. The guitar work is deceptively good and takes a few listen to appreciate though appreciate it you will I’m sure. The third track, Flames Arise, has a bit of an epic feel about it with guitars everywhere. A bit early MSG even.
Had they been around in 1978 and put this out they’d no doubt have been up there with the best of the NWOBHM breed. Instead they’ve done it in 2014 and it sounds fresh. NWOBHM fan or not I’d suggest getting your ears around it and checking them out live if you get the opportunity.
The EP is available via the shop on the band’s Facebook page together with a t-shirt for a very reasonable price or the CD alone for just $5. Bag it now, enjoy it and who knows it could just be an investment for the future should Toledo Steel make the breakthrough. Support a new band who are on the way up.
Thanks again to Matt for the opportunity to review. Look forward to a first full album next.
Check out the band’s Facebook to see what they’re up to: