ALBUM REVIEW: History – Northwind
NORTHWIND really made waves in Greece. Their debut album Northcomin was unprecedented when it was first released back in 1982, and their follow-up Mythology in 1987 established them firmly as one of the strongest heavy metal bands to come out of Greece. Whereas Mythology explored myths and legends, History explores the real historical figures and events of Ancient Greece.
History actually began being recorded back in 1992 when the band visited the Metropolis Studios in the UK. Four tracks were recorded but those sessions were never released and NORTHWIND simply disappeared, until now that is. Recorded at the same studio as Mythology to retain that 80s spirit, History is a long-awaited record.
The Wooden Walls kicks things off with a suspenseful synth intro to building up that initial tension, we weren’t quite sure what to expect here but once the guitar kicked in this quickly established itself as one of the best tracks on the record. The riffs and solo in this song are actually reminiscent of JUDAS PRIEST’s Screaming for Vengeance, keeping that fluffy softness but still retaining the same fullness and strength.
Without continuously drawing comparisons, IRON MAIDEN could have genuinely written King Alexander the Third. Many people try and fail to emulate MAIDEN’s distinctive style, and almost everyone would cite them as an influence, but NORTHWIND absolutely nail it here. The riffs flow up and down with beautiful guitar harmonies and Dimosthenis Dovas’ vocals soar with a very well done Bruce Dickinson meets Dio style.
The guitar tone throughout this record is just phenomenal, Soldier’s Pay and My Dying Day lead on with a thick and dusty sound that is true vintage, no doubt about it. NORTHWIND are definitely getting their money’s worth from their effect pedals, but that is no bad thing, it works massively in their favour and creates that retro feel. Each track on this record leaves space for a meaty instrumental section to bring everything together, allowing Kostas Papadopoulos-Papadimitriou on lead guitar to simply flourish and display his skills.
First Shot leads on with a percussive intro from Thanasis Tsimoudis, echoing and soft but building up into some gorgeous chunky riffs cycling up and down that genuinely sound like they could be a bonus track on BLACK SABBATH’s Master of Reality. Marathon March comes back in with those screaming MAIDEN-style riffs and powerful support through the basslines. Every track on this record is so full and rich, woven with backing vocals and perfectly-matched basslines from Theodoros Doulamis to create extra depth.
Pyrrhos the Eagle takes things up a notch with a fast-paced chugging guitar intro layered with solo style riffs and a bassline running in the opposite direction to cause some beautiful layering here. The power in this track is perfectly matched by the lyrical themes, spinning tales of the Greek king in the Hellenistic period, nicknamed ‘Eagle’ for his victorious combat against the epic general Pantauchus. Aristodemus the Hero follows on this theme and tells the stories of the legendary Spartan warrior of Greek descent who was known for his way with words.
The closest thing we will get to a ballad on this album, Cry Free – Die Free is a welcomed slower track to mix things up a bit, a soft picking intro and pained vocals build up strength as the track flows on, becoming just as full and heavy as the rest. As if there wasn’t enough diversity on this record already, The Dog then rounds this album off with a completely different style! Brimming with attitude, simple and strong… this is almost reminiscent of 80s glam meets LED ZEPPELIN due to its sexiness and groove – we’re not sure if anyone has said that sentence before!
What an album! History literally has it all. From the complex epic tales of wartime heroes and exceptional old-school heavy metal instrumental skill, right through to through groove and spunk, History was not what we expected, but we are extremely impressed. It sounds like these guys simply fell asleep in the studio back in 1987, then simply woke up and continued this record with that true 80s feel. If you’re looking for an all-rounder that will tick every single box, get this on!
Rating: 9/10
History is out now via No Remorse Records.
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