Nuclear Blast – Out Now.
If, as I really hope, you are frequent visitors of our album reviews page you will remember that back in January, I was quite generous when rating “Heretic” – the four track E.P of the Sabbath-influenced San Francisco Rockers Orchid. Since then, I have been living in anticipation of the band’s upcoming studio album so I was understandably over the moon when I realised that new music related to this band was uploaded onto my account by Nuclear Blast records.
Instead, however, of the full length promised, the quartet and its label has decided to delay my ‘suffering’ by releasing what has been quite appropriately described as a ‘teaser’ – a three track 10’’ vinyl E.P entitled “Wizard Of War”.
Just as its predecessor, “Wizard Of War” indulges in some serious Sabbath worship, but does so in an inspired and refreshing fashion. The first composition on offer is the same-titled “Wizard Of War” –a bombastic tune whose groovy bass lines and heavy-as-hell riff will bring shivers down the spine of all Heavy Doom fans around the globe.
Similarly to Ozzy, Theo Mindell is not the most technically-disciplined singer around but has the swagger and attitude needed to make a classic 70s composition like “Demon’s Eyes” shine through. Though I truly enjoyed both those tracks, my heart was stolen by the six minute opus “Albatross” – a song originally featured in the band’s debut studio album “Capricorn”.
Working at a slow tempo and featuring bass harmonies and guitar leads reminiscent of Sabbath’s magnum opus “Planet Caravan”, this is one of the most addictive moody tracks that you will get to listen to by any band this young in age.
Though initially disappointed and somewhat annoyed by this classic case of promotional trickery on the part of Nuclear Blast, it was not long before I found my mood towards this three track release completely changing and that is solely on the strength of the material on offer.
I was hooked on Orchid long before this E.P came together and chances are that I will continue to be under their spell long after they fall into obscurity with the general public so the question here is: do I really need to add this to my record collection? Well, I have to admit that the answer to that question is a resounding “yes”! Now, can we please stop all this nonsense and have the band’s second full length album out, pronto?
John Stefanis
Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
