Gothenburg’s Air Raid is one of the few traditional metal
bands to catch my attention this year. Back in April, they released their debut
EP entitled “Danger Ahead” on Stormspell Records. They also released a full
length about two weeks ago, entitled “Night of the Axe”.
Things are instantly kicked into high gear with the opening
track “When the Sky Turns Read”, a high-octane, straight forward heavy metal
track laden with guitar solos, soaring vocals and galloping riffs that would make
Iron Maiden themselves proud. The second track, “Annihilation” is my favourite
off this EP, and it is a bit slower than the opener and really takes it’s time,
allowing the riffs to really breathe. “The Metal Cult” is full of power and
could be considered a heavy metal anthem. “Midnight Burner” is another stand
out and it would have sounded right at home on a late 80s Judas Priest album. There
are also two tracks from their demo tacked to the end of the EP, which serve as
a pretty cool extra.
Although Air Raid hail from Sweden, their sound is very
British, incorporating heavy influences from Saxon and Judas Priest, as well as
the aforementioned Iron Maiden. These young Swedes have really taken the NWOBHM
sound and made it their own.
“Danger Ahead” is well played, well written and well
produced, leaving me anxious to get my hands on “Night of the Axe” when I get
the chance. Don’t sleep on this if you dig classic, fist pumping, heavy metal
in the vein of Saxon, Cloven Hoof, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
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