Album review: BATTLE BEAST – Circus of Doom

Nuclear Blast [Release date 21.01.22]

Album number six from Battle Beast, after a bit of a gap since 2019’s highly enjoyable ‘No More Hollywood Endings’. Their line-up remains the same, namely Eero Sipilä (bass), Pyry Vikki (drums), Janne Björkroth (keytar), Juuso Soinio (rhythm guitar), Joona Björkroth (lead guitar), and vocalist Noora Louhimo.

The opening trio of the title track, ‘Wings of Light’ and ‘Master of Illusion’, could all be singles, as each has an instant chorus and those uplifting synths & rhythms that are one of the band’s trademarks. Hopefully listeners outside of the metal genre will get to hear one, or all of these, as they really do have that crossover appeal.

‘Russian Roulette’ is one for the air keyboards fans amongst you. The synths/keys on here are suitably OTT (as is the piano/vocals effects midsection), which coupled with an 80’s soundtrack feel, is another album highlight.

You can’t pen a review about Battle Beast without mention of vocalist Noora Louhimo. She defines the term ‘powerhouse vocalist’, yet doesn’t resort to the banshee wail that can put you off other female fronted metal bands. Lyrically it is proper D&D too – loving the lines ‘My hammer, The eye of the storm’ on ‘Eye of the Storm’.

Another powerful and fun listen from the mighty Battle Beast. Sure to put a smile on your face in these dark days. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)