ALBUM REVIEW: Forgotten Lands – Booze Control
Three years after the release of The Lizard Rider, German metal band BOOZE CONTROL return with a fresh yet classic feeling album which truly incorporates the bands evolution over the past decade. Leaving behind their stereotypical drinking metal band image, BOOZE CONTROL have heavily taken inspiration from their classic metal idols IRON MAIDEN, in a positive yet somewhat unsatisfying attempt to imitate the greats of heavy metal’s showmanship with Forgotten Lands.
The first album released on Gates of Hell Records boasts a number of impressive tracks with enticing riffs and addictive lyrics which instantly thrusts the listener in to the heart of BOOZE CONTROL. Forgotten Lands; the title track from the new album, invites even the most novice of rockers on a journey back to the nostalgic atmosphere felt in the days where the guitar ruled supreme and choruses always involved a high pitched scream.
Often a daunting task in the post 2000s era, BOOZE CONTROL have successfully created an album which shows promise for the future of both the band and genre alike. Attack Of The Axeman and Spellbound act as two of the more memorable, stand out tracks on an album which feels unfinished in some respects. While the evolution and clear talent of the band is noticeable, throughout the album, some songs seem anti-climatic as they attempt to mimic their predecessors without creating the same captivating sound or result.
The band firmly showcases their talents on the seventh track Playing With Fire. Upon hearing the introductory riff, the unsuspecting audience would be forgiven for believing they were listening to another album all together. The song is instantly enjoyable and consistently extrudes confidence and showmanship, unfortunately the feeling is not evenly spread across Forgotten Lands, ironically making the album relatively easy to forget.
As mentioned previously the sound of the album lacks individuality and appears rushed in places. Unfortunately, the album appears to attempt to recreate the persona of IRON MAIDEN with much less pizzazz. An easy to listen to album which will go down well with any classic rock fan despite its lack of wonder or wow factor. BOOZE CONTROL pack a large number of genius guitar solos and creative riffs which really helps to provide a much needed kick to an otherwise stale album. The seductive introductions of songs such as Thanatos will grab listeners before launching them in to the classic metal sounds which define the band.
Forgotten Lands is worth listening to and easily likeable, but not an album which is likely to be on many people’s Top 20. That said, BOOZE CONTROL have magnificently developed in to a promising act, bridging various genres with ease and proving they are a long way from their spur of the moment formation back in 2009.
Rating: 6/10
Forgotten Lands is out now via Gates of Hell Records.
Like Booze Control on Facebook.