A heavy/power metal concept album based around the classic book Watership Down and those cute furry bunnies. Surely it’s a Spinal Tap reunion in disguise. Well that’s what I thought when I heard about it. I could picture it – no Stonehenge stage set. Instead a rabbit warren and a Mick Shrimpton drum solo whilst wearing a rabbits head a-la Albert Bouchard and Godzilla. I just had to have a copy, mainly out of curiosity more than anything else.
Fired up Trick or Treat’s web site and ordered directly just in time to snag a signed poster too. On there were video clips giving a fine introduction to what was to come in the post. I’d no come across an Italian heavy/power metal band before but given the concept behind the album I’d build up such expectations that it’d be a cracker I was prepared for disappointment when it did drop through the letter box.
I need not have worried. The first listen was a real treat (pun not intended again). After a short intro piece, the first full track – Prince With 1000 Enemies – hits hard and fast. Growling riffs, super-fast drumming, great guitar work and soaring vocals/choruses. Not far removed from say Helloween/Freedom Call/Blind Guardian I’d say. Instantly impressed.
Spring in the Warren calms things down a bit before the glorious onslaught kicks in again with premonition and the remainder is a very enjoyable journey indeed. False Paradise has a very catchy hook to it which will stay in your head. The band’s take on Bright Eyes is something else.
Sometimes it’s a bit of a worry when you think an album is so good on first listen. It can’t last. Not with Rabbits Hill Part 1. I left it a few days before listening again and it was just as enjoyable with more listening pleasure discovered. Indeed, the other day I had a 230 mile drive or so over the evening hours. Having this in the car with me up loud and a couple of spins made the boring motorway miles pass quicker.
All I can say is buy it and buy it NOW. I’ve been listening to it often for the past couple of weeks and it sounds fresh each time. Trick or Treat has come up with something special here and it deserves to be checked out. My initial cynical curiosity has been well rewarded. If you like your “Eurometal” hard, fast with changes of pace, melodic and well put together then this is for you. Or if you just like cute rabbits…..
>> PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR RABBITS HILL PART 1 <<
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