(Napalm)
Certainly one of my most anticipated releases of ’25, particularly after witnessing the band reside at Time To Rock (trace, the complete present is on-line, and price a watch/pay attention, or 100). Two singles have been issued earlier than the album and whereas neither lit my coronary heart afire, the reside renditions proved extra convincing, so Ambush materials takes on an excellent grander standing in live performance.
That bodes effectively for Evil In All Dimensions, the album, as the opposite seven compositions already possess a robust basis. Really, the aforementioned (titular reduce and the slower gallop of historic primarily based “Maskirovka”) lead off the disc, #1 and #2 within the operating order. Some promote the band brief, dismissing them because the Swedish Judas Priest (may very well be known as a LOT worse!), and the title monitor does possess among the Brits’ hallmarks, however who doesn’t need catchy, aggro, twin leads/Priest impressed steel? I do know I do!
At 4:08, “Iron Signal” often is the second shortest inclusion (by simply 7 seconds), nevertheless it brings the warmth and has all the weather that make Ambush a fan favourite: infectious bouncing rhythm, guitar interaction and easy/repetitive lyrics (straightforward to sing alongside, even after first pay attention), all in a traditional/conventional steel context. “The Evening I Took Your Life”, other than the violent context, has radio potential (is that even a factor anymore?)
Likewise, delicate begun “I Concern The Blood” belies the remainder of the Ambush canon (however then, I assumed the identical of “Maskirovka”, till listening to a reside rendition, so we’ll see about this one too). “Come Angel Of Evening” recollects the trendy output from fellow Swedes, Wolf, particularly come the vocal refrain. With a wail from Oskar Jakobsson, “Bending The Metal” kicks off what’s seemingly an outtake from the Defenders Of The Religion album: screaming twin guitar runs and that crisp steel snare drumming. If there’s one monitor we have to hear added to the set, it’s the disc closing “Heavy Metallic Brethren”. At 5:12, it’s the longest of the alternatives, with a ton of guitars. The Priest comparisons collapse on this one (feeling extra Teutonic), however such a robust finisher!
Hopefully Napalm will get behind the band and provides them an opportunity to play North America, as this sort of music is briefly provide on this facet of the Atlantic. When you expertise it, you’ll be hooked on report, or in a membership. Put together to be Ambushed!
