ALBUM REVIEW: Glacier – The Passing Of Time

Classic Heavy Metal band GLACIER formed back in 1979 and had a fantastic self titled EP but not a lot else under their belt. That is until their brand new full length in 2020! Out via No Remorse Records on October 30th.

Melodic guitar solos soar in over marching drums to open the icy portals of whatever lies in wait. Diving into an upbeat slew of formidable shredding and powerful riffs atop anthemic drum work, it is clear we will have some catchy material to contend with. This is confirmed when the glorious vocals glide into the mix in true classic Heavy Metal fashion. Though a new album from an old band, it is remarkable how 80s this album feels as they belt out pure Metal magic from very early on. Perhaps a band that won’t be as familiar as the British bands of the era, Glacier are still a very valid part of Metal’s history with their fierce melodies and powerful songwriting that captures the spirit of Heavy Metal in its captivating glory. There is a melancholy to be found in the uplifting anthems that really adds to the comeback vibes and morphs into battle-ready cries of molten steel, taking things into furiously memorable territories.

Speeding on, the melodious and precision-driven bangers keep on coming. The songs all feel worthy of their position in the record, unlike a lot of traditional Heavy Metal bands in the 21st century there isn’t so much in the way of filler, utilising every minute to sharpen their axes and deliver sonic carnage in the style where it all began. Iron Maiden style gallops, Angel Witch chant-along choruses and Judas Priest shredding is all present while Glacier have plenty of their own identity that sits between traditional Heavy Metal and Power Metal to offer an old school conjuration packed with epic bouts of shredding and piercing shrieks that would make Mr Halford proud. Seething with unwavering energy that cannot be tamed, the passion of these old timers blows all doubt of this being a killer follow up to their self titled EP out of the water.

If there was anyone unsure about how strong the return of these cult Heavy Metallers would be, let me assure you that the crushing new record is everything we could hope for and more. For those who are unfamiliar but have a penchant for the old school mayhem of the 80s and want a gorgeously played, anthemic and monstrously powerful slab of iron, look no further. The melodics of this album never grow tiring while plenty of rhythmic grooves keep us on our toes for more bouts of joyfully entrancing musical magnificence. Break the shackles, run free and blast this wailing opus of glorious music from the mountains. I cannot overstate how fun of an album it really is, but hopefully you will find out for yourself lest this classic band pass people by for another few decades. Even the ballad is cool which, let’s face it, is usually the worst part of an old school record. Without ever falling short of pure vibrant excellence, this rekindling of 41 year old band is 100% worthwhile.

So Glacier finally have a full length album… It rips! Pure Heavy Metal with no remorse nor need for anything other than powerfully dextrous songwriting and superbly talented musicians. Harkening back to the glory days of Grim Reaper, Diamond Head and Witchfynde, there is still a strong flame burning in the beating heart of classic Heavy Metal. -8.5/10