ALBUM REVIEW: Infidel – Ambush

Having created their first demo tape back in August 2013, Swedish metallers AMBUSH were soon picked up by High Roller Records, resulting in the release of their first 7” single Natural Born Killers in 2014. Two full albums later, and AMBUSH are back once again to step things up a notch with their latest release, Infidel. Also drawing inspiration from other Swedish bands like SCREAMER, RAM and ENFORCER, the fact that JUDAS PRIEST and ACCEPT are their main heroes is obvious upon hearing them.

Title track Infidel kicks of the record, smashing the door down with its energy and attitude. Classic old school riffs are combined with soaring vocals and epic screams to assure this track is a headbanger from the start; a powerful track to commence the album. 80s arena-style pinch harmonics and effective palm muting on Yperite recall bands like VAN HALEN, perfectly capturing that retro style.  Leave Them to Die follows suit with a catchy intro riff that sounds like an impeccable amalgamation of every 80s heavy metal hit. This is a punchy track with a chorus comprised of melodic vocals and old school style shouts underneath with a few epic screams scattered throughout for good measure. Hellbiter shows the breadth and variety on Infidel with a more unusual sound. It takes things down a notch with an intro riff that is eyebrow-raisingly close to Ozzy’s Bark at the Moon, however the verse that is layered over the top is reminiscent of JUDAS PRIEST, in particular the more subdued Screaming for Vengeance cut Fever. 

A fitting way to divide the record, The Summoning is an intricate and minor instrumental that, despite only lasting over a minute, builds suspense and sections the album in half nicely. Bringing things back up to speed, The Demon Within throws us straight into the deep end with that classic AMBUSH sound, chugging, aggressive riffs and epic melodic vocals blending perfectly with harmonies and again, a not-so-subtle dusting of pinch harmonics for good measure. A Silent Killer follows on in true form with an old school intro riff with a strong bass sound balanced nicely alongside it. Intricate guitar work gliding underneath the harmonious vocal melodies works really well here, creating a diverse and compelling track. The influence of Euro-power metal can be heard in Iron Helm of War, a track that thunders in with energy and passion. Strong and soaring power metal style vocals and dark lyrical themes here create a unique and epic track.

The influence of German metallers ACCEPT comes through strongly in Heart of Stone with a chugging, harsh-sounding intro riff guiding you into what becomes a classic AMBUSH style track, complete with sweeping harmonies and melodic vocals. Lust for Blood ends the album in true AMBUSH style, full of strength and passion. Backing vocals throughout the record were recorded here and there at various gatherings with the band’s friends, an element which adds to the vintage, DIY sound but without compromising the crispness and detail.

AMBUSH are a great example of accessible New-Wave-of-Traditional-Heavy-Metal; there’s nothing here that would turn you away from these guys. Their musicianship and song-writing skills are obvious and they’ve successfully created a glorious homage to the 80s, keeping things fun and enjoyable without giving up the power and passion. Although the production is crystal clear throughout the entirety of Infidel, the sound is sometimes lacking a certain fullness, though admittedly this does add to the vintage sound. Fans of bands like Enforcer and the larger NMOTHM scene must be sure not to miss this release.

Rating: 8/10

Infidel is out now via High Roller Records.

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