Written By Keven McSweeney
Welcome to Seven Deadly Songs in one of the saddest weeks in the history of our beloved genre and all of its many manifestations. As absolutely nobody needs to be reminded, we said farewell on the 22nd of July to one of the founding fathers of heavy music and the physical embodiment of stagecraft itself, the iconic Ozzy Osbourne. We present this week’s list in full acknowledgement of the fact that we would have none of this glorious music without Ozzy and Black Sabbath and their eternal influence. We know from the legacy of Ozzfest, and his numerous guest appearances with younger artists ranging from Coal Chamber and Type O Negative in the 1990s through to Post Malone more recently, that the Prince of Darkness was keen to nurture the talent of tomorrow. So, with that in mind, let us present to you seven songs by seven bands who deserve your attention, all of whom are releasing albums in this fateful week. Thanks for the music, Ozzy; this literally wouldn’t be possible without you.
Bloodletter – A World Unmade
We commence proceedings with some thrash metal from Chicago, Illinois, as Bloodletter return with their fourth full-length album, titled Leave The Light Behind – a sentiment that would surely have been echoed by the Prince of Darkness himself! The album is to be released independently on July 25th, and A World Unmade is the first single and opening track thereof. It’s at the more melodic end of the thrash spectrum, with state-of-the-art musicianship and strong production that brings Rust in Peace-era Megadeth to mind at times, albeit with a very different vocal approach. The solo would surely have met with the approval of Randy Rhoads, with whom I’d like to think Ozzy is now reunited.
Bloodride – Come in Peace
Next up, we have another blood-related thrash metal band – Thrashers Bloody Thrashers! – as Finnish veterans Bloodride return to the fray with their fifth full-length album, Deafening, an impressive 25 years after their formation. The album is due to be released on July 25th via WormHoleDeath, a label that constantly delivers extreme metal of the highest quality. Come in Peace is a fast-paced, full-blooded affair, in which they remind us that coming in peace is something they never do. That said, they look like they’re having a lot of fun in the video, with numerous beautiful locations and plenty of alcoholic refreshments on display throughout, and it all seems fairly peaceful, music aside.
Crimson Shadows – Whispers of War
Melodic death metal and power metal make for an exhilarating combination, or at least they do in the hands of these titans from Toronto, who switch between the brutal and the beautiful with consummate ease. The Canadians released their third full-length album, Whispers of War, independently on July 23rd, and the title track is an absolute belter, full of blisteringly fast beats, soaring melodies and savage riffs and roars. Important note: this band is not to be confused with Crimson Dawn from South Park. This has nothing to do with Stan Marsh and the boys, though it does remind me of the episode in which Ozzy killed Kenny by biting his head off. Just one of many hilariously funny memories of the Brummie bat beheader himself!
Iron Spell – Sorceress
No, not Iron Man! This time we’re looking, not at actual classic metal, but at a young band with a classic metal sound from Santiago. They look and sound more like a certain other iconic Birmingham band, Judas Priest, than Black Sabbath. (Priest’s cover of War Pigs is absolutely not to be missed, by the way.) The Chileans release their second full-length album,From The Grave, via Dying Victims Productions on July 25th, and it’s notable for its vintage-style riffs, sumptuous solos and strong sung vocals. It’s as if another new wave of British heavy metal is happening over 7,000 miles away from Birmingham, and we love it!
Mass Deception – Ruins of Dominion
Now there’s a title that could have been the name of a Sabbath song! Ruins of Dominion is the second single from Resurrections, the third full-length album from Netherlands thrashers Mass Deception. (We’ve had a lot of thrash this week. Absolutely no apologies will be made for that. The more thrash, the better, quite frankly!) The album will be available from July 25th, courtesy of the glorious Gruesome Records. I particularly like the chromatic riff in the intro and the chanted section in the middle. It’s exhilarating stuff from the Dutchmen. Actually, it reminds me a little of classic Annihilator, which is certainly no bad thing. Goed gedaan!
Shadecrown – Inadequate
I don’t know why, but this band’s name sounds like a Gen Z slang term to me. In fact, I’m scared I might get cancelled simply for reviewing them. Also, it makes me feel old, as does the fact that Ozzy and so many of the great musicians that I’ve loved seeing live over the years are no longer with us. I digress! This Finnish melodic death/doom metal outfit have actually been around since 2012. Quite why they’ve decided to call their fourth studio album 0 is beyond me. It’s closer to ten out of ten than 0 in terms of quality. Actually, is it zero or is it the letter O? I have no idea. Also, the third single from the album, available from July 25th courtesy of Inverse Records, is far from inadequate, despite what the title might suggest. I love the combination of stirring synths, wailing lead guitars and death growls, all of which are available in more than adequate supply here.
Temptress – Woman of The Dark
We’ve already had a Sorceress courtesy of Dying Victims Productions. We might as well have a Temptress from them as well, though the album’s cover art is not going to be particularly tempting to arachnophobes! It kinda looks like Galdalf going after Shelob in Lord of The Rings. That seems to be the vibe they’re going for anyway. The stylish Sicilians release their debut album, Catch The Endless Dawn, on July 25th via the aforementioned label, and it’s vintage-sounding heavy metal from the Italian trio, with strong vocals from a singing drummer. Quite the collectors item! I love the rawness of it; production-wise, it sounds almost like a demo. Also, it sounds almost like it could have been drawn from the Blizzardof Ozz album. I could well imagine Ozzy singing it, and it makes me sad that I’ll never hear him sing a new song again. Rest in peace, Ozzy.
