Album review: BATTLEAXE – Heavy Metal Sanctuary

Steamhammer/SPV [Release date 24.02.14]

Originally part of the mid 80s era New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM), Battleaxe released tracks on several compilations as well as two albums in 1983 and 1984; both have since been reissued on CD, as has a CD-EP.

The band reformed in 2010 for a performance at Wacken and started work on this album the following year; alongside original members vocalist Dave King (not to be confused with the Fastway singer of the same name) and bassist Brian Smith are guitarist Mick Percy and drummer Paul Atkinson.

The opening title track is typically NWoBHM with a modern edge – there is a heavy rough edge and plenty of passion and power over polish. Hail To The King hints at 1980 Saxon with a nod to Iron Maiden’s guitar harmonies, and when the cheese grater isn’t working on the vocals and guitar there’s a couple of melodic moments tool.

The rhythms are solid, the guitars rough and often blistering (with a few decent solos thrown in), and vocals mix solid rock and brutal metal; the power and energy are all here yet the production (with a few atmospheric intros and build-ups) tell you this is NWoBHM for the 21st Century. ***1/2

Review by Joe Geesin

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

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Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

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12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
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