Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 07:08 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Label: Unsigned/independent
Year: 2022
Medieval Steel is a strange case of a band. Not the average one hit wonders but the situation is rather more complicated than that. The group is blessed and cursed at the same time. And probably as you already guessed their homonymous 1984’s song “Medieval Steel“ is the one to blame for all this. Epic die-hards around the world never stopped sing along its verses in a crescendo of high pitched screams in the chorus of this epic Heavy Metal hymn while the rest of extreme metal fans more possible are to ignore it and definitely pass over the rest of their catalogue. A big mistake indeed, both. Not only because the EP that Bobby Franklin (Vocals), John Ruth (guitar), Chuck Jones (guitar), Jeff Boydston (bass) and Bill Jones recorded 38 years ago was History on vinyl. Also because the band from Memphis, Tennessee has besides the 1984 legendary EP another worth exploring release, the excellent “Dark Castle”, which was actually their debut and the remarkable thing, is that this was 31 years after the band’s formation (2013).
Their sophomore full length thankfully comes a bit sooner, and we don’t have to wait another 3 decades to hear it. “Gods of Steel” moves in a US Power motif blended with Traditional Heavy Metal and the feeling of latest works from Judas Priest. Probably with a modern approaching too as the production is crystal clear and clean, still as the material is roaring and biting hard so the final result is outstanding. Brilliant compositions that build up with finesse, with great choruses that stick to your mind, brave doses of epic elements, awesome and sharp riffs that create the perfect environment for the powerful silky steel vocals of Bobby Franklin to shine. You can’t ask for more…the whole album in its entirety is a highlight but please give extra focus on “Soldier of Fortune”, “Gods of Steel” that brought me in mind a Riot aura, “Satanic Garden” and “Kill The Pain”.
Medieval Steel 2022 are: Bobby Franklin on Vocals, Steve Crocker on Bass, Jeff Milleron Guitars and Jacob Feld on Drums.
