ALBUM REVIEW: The Knightlore – Vultures Vengeance
As they gallop towards a gleaming horizon to celebrate a decade in existence, Italian quartet VULTURES VENGEANCE have plundered and preached their gospel of metal through two successful EP’s to finally forge their debut album. Pulling inspiration from traditional 80’s metal and in particular NWOBHM, they are intent on witnessing it trample through the metal underground; collecting fans, critics, opportunity and renown.
Like a brake-less locomotive A Great Spark From The Dark crashes elegantly from ear to ear, exhibiting a production reminiscent of the 80’s but with a refined finish. Tony Steele screams from his soul to remind all that traditional metal never died before he teams up with fellow guitarist Tony Scelzi to lunge at you with a bittersweet onslaught of virtuoso guitar mastery. For only four members, VULTURES VENGEANCE sound huge; Fates Weaver flaunts a talent seeping fusion with commendable dominance whilst Pathfinders Call showcases metal in its truest and rawest form – its gushing with tasty guitar solos and exhumes the consistency of DIO. Considering Tony Steele takes the reigns on both guitars and vocals, it’s easy to forget that they are both coming from the same entity. Yes at times they get lost in the mix but it encapsulates the endless raw energy that fuels metal in all shapes and sizes, the song craft and slick solos more than make up for this.
The Knightlore‘s titular track is clad with duelling guitars and fiery vocals just as much as Lord Of The Key casts a spotlight over the rhythm section – without such the shrieking guitars would be no more than whispers in the wind. Like a musical representation of the bands intentions Dead Men And Blind Fates leaps over musical hurdles, showcasing customary talent in a new light yet still surprising you with unexpected changes in rhythm. With the capacity to turn enemies of true metal into denim draped devotees, Eye Of A Stranger is a modern day reflection of a time where heavy metal dominated the earth. There is nothing quite like the sound of two screeching guitars battling for accession; Chained By The Dark takes this and throws it together with lightning fast resolve.
What more could you ask for from an old school heavy metal album? It’s got grit, rock hard consistency, wailing vocals and enough guitar solos to satisfy a hunger of demonic proportions. The production is well and truly reminiscent of ’80s metal and does well to refresh it with a crispy smooth finish. Despite this sound being the root of everything we love in metal today, some will undoubtedly be put off by VULTURES VENGEANCE bold musical offering. However, considering their previous EP’s tore through the underground like wildfire, The Knightlore is set to turn heads and assist the band with achieving the success they so clearly crave through sheer musical prowess, devotion and consistency. Indeed, it feels that the vocals can at times be drowned out in the mix but it all plays a part in reanimating metal DNA from decades ago. Long live heavy metal and the warriors who keep this raw brand of metal alive.
Rating: 8/10
The Knightlore is out now via Gates Of Hell Records.