Fourth album from Canadian metallers Hellrazer arrived over 6 years after the previous one. It certainly is a long time in human life. 'Operation Overlord' had potential, but it was overlong, and it wasn't very catchy. So, what did all those long years do to the band, then?

Judas Priest's 1990 palladium-level classic 'Painkiller' must be one major influence for Hellrazer, because such similarities are heard on this album. At best, this has some bite and drive, but still isn't nowhere close to the quality of that JP and other heavy metal classics. The riffs aren't killer, and they also are more or less familiar; still, just blunt versions. The catchiness is almost devoid here. The band doesn't want to use melodies, except a few times, and when utilized, the magic is always closer; for example 'Necropolis' has an ominous melodic riffing, that is bettered by twin-guitar version. But generally, the riffs just don't cut it. Thrashing 'Ancient Fire' is more lively than most of the songs.

I don't know any other band led by a professor. Guitarist/vocalist Gerald Zamponi does hold that academic rank. Sadly, writing heavy metal songs isn't his strong expertise. The riffing isn't palm-muted very often, and that could give them more punch every now and then. Twin-guitar thing doesn't happen but a couple of times. The solos are adequate, if not memorable. Generally, the guitars are rather plain. They have sharp-ish tone to them, which I consider a plus. The songwriting isn't dynamic but at times, especially on faster/shorter songs; e.g. aforementioned 'Necropolis' has nice bits, but the song itself is long and plodding. There is no spicing in songs, and as the riffs aren't that hot...

'Metal Heavy', featuring Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, ex-Gamma Ray)... You know what's coming, right? Yep, a metal music anthem. The song includes parts that aren't far from Gamma Ray's song 'To the Metal'. The professional vocalist raises the quality quite a bit, no doubt about it. Mr. Zamponi's voice is okay, but it's not dynamic but uninflected. It's also very uptight. The difference is significant.

Sound-wise this is partly good, especially saw-like guitars. The kick drums are upfront, probably triggered, and as they do not keep in time all the time, it is quite a big deficiency on the album, that is supposed to be very tight. The bass guitar is audible in the mix. Disorganized computerized cover art is incomprehensible to my eyes.

This album mostly has the same weaknesses as its predecessor had. The band have shots for more (better riffs, for starters, and then more catchiness)! This really doesn't sound like it was six years in the making... But it does not sounds too polished either, which is one outcome six years could have caused.

Rating: 5½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/21/2020 16:55