Ελληνικά
Genre: N.W.O.B.H.M./Heavy Metal
Country: U.K.
Label: Metal Nation Records
Year:2014 (1982)
This release is a re-issue of the debut EP “The Opening Ritual” with a few bonus tracks and a live recording by the occult inspired N.W.O.B.H.M. band Cloven Hoof. It wouldn’t be wise to try to critique a legendary release like that but thankfully music can speak by itself sometimes so my work is rather easy and simple at the same time.
The sound is typical N.W.O.B.H.M. of the early 80’s smelling pure denim & leather despite the fact that the band tried to launch an occult profile (The Cloven Hoof is the official Bulletin and Tribunal of the Church of Satan) and their members adopted aliases such as Earth, Air, Water, Fire. Still only the opener and probably best moment of this EP “Gates Of Gehenna” (a track Cloven Hoof would later re-record for their ’84 full-length debut Cloven Hoof) could be described as anything close to occult, especially if you pay close attention to the following lyrics:
“Now you will know your reason here.
Mine is Lucifer, destructor, abductor of your soul.
Seek not escape
Once lured to Hell’s own kingdom.
None may elude my presence,
Nor relinquish my dread control.
You are sold to brutality,
Never to break free the Gates of Gehenna.”
“Stormrider” is a real strong and solid composition that has similar structure to Judas Priest’s songs of the 70’s era/early 80’s and Saxon-like feeling. Speaking of Saxon, back in the days Saxon were already looking in the other side of the Atlantic and that is something that may have induced Cloven Hoof to write something a bit more commercial and U.S. friendly as “Back in the U.S.A.”. The song is nothing extra ordinary but it shows some influence from some great 70’s hard rock bands such as Status Quo and KISS, especially the backing vocal lines. “Starship Sentinel” is a really nice and, why not progressive, reminding me Iron Maiden of the first album era. A really great song indeed, with suitable tempo changes and great atmosphere and feeling.
Since “The Opening Ritual” was released in July 1982, without the band knowing it the EP was thriving in metal magazines and college radio shows all over America. Then they got airplay time in numerous radio stations worldwide, until they hit UK. They stayed in Sounds and Kerrang heavy metal charts for six weeks, peaking at number 18, rocketing their career instantly. Their reputation grew stronger worldwide and as time passed they were established as a dark themed heavy metal band. During 1983 Cloven Hoof decided to tour all over UK earning a huge and faithful – till today – fanbase. However, bad contract advice and in-fighting put paid to a huge recording deal. The untimely death of David Hemmings, the band’s manager, was another terrible blow. An independent label was the only alternative for Cloven Hoof to once again gather momentum.
The band’s first demo has a sound and production near to EP’s material giving cohesion to this release. The live version of “Nightstalker” is tremendous (and previously unreleased) giving an extra point to the CD. Grab “The Opening Ritual” not only for historic reasons, since it captures an entire era perfectly, but because it is as heavy as fuck after all my friends!
*All songs were remastered in 2014 by Metal Nation Records, including a 12 page booklet with lyrics, archive photos and extensive sleeve notes by the band.
**Track Listing: Gates Of Gehenna / Stormrider / Back in the USA / Starship Sentinel / That’s The Way It Goes / Return Of The Passover / Road Of Eagles / A Piece Of The Action / Nightstalker (Live)
