ALBUM REVIEW: Screamer – Highway Of Heroes

Among the New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal there has been many notable acts from Sweden, one of these being SCREAMER who have recently unleashed a new full length of classic Heavy Metal delights. Out now via The Sign Records.

Sombre guitars open with an atmospheric touch that feeds back with soaring and simplistic lead melodies, turning to duelled harmonies to really bring in the classic feel. Pounding drums and thunderous bass back up an onslaught of sleazy guitars and glorious vocals, powering through 80s inspired assaults of speeding instrumentals and Rob Halford style shrieks beautifully. As far as Metal is concerned, this is definitely the purest and most recognisable form of the genre which Screamer nail down to every nuance, really hitting all the highs and grisly details that hark back to the inception of the genre decades ago. The blistering lead guitar work and crystal clear production style really do allow you to be taken back into the glory days of this sound. With endless resources in terms of melodic, catchy and upbeat riffing and an utterly marvellous delivery of sonic brilliance, this record hits hard, fast and consistently. While these kinds of bands have been growing in popularity (most notably Wolf, Savage Master, White Wizzard and Haunt), Screamer offer a diverse mixture of Judas Priest and Angel Witch influenced hits that not only bring back that familiar Metal sound but do so in a refreshing, bold and exciting manner that keeps you gripped and ready to ride off into the night with these astounding opuses of traditional magnificence. The solo breaks are well spaced and only add to the killer riffs and drum fills, leaving plenty of headroom for the massive wails of the frontman, overall offering a monolith of slicing Heavy Metal ferocity. These Swedes have nailed the British sound, arguably better than some of the English bands themselves. (perhaps due to their stupidly good musical abilities). Ridiculously powerful, well-written, captivating and anthemic music is what you will discover with Screamer and I am certain pretty much any Heavy Metal fan will adore this album, I certainly did. -8.5/10