SPECTRE is the molten metal creation of Will Spectre and is based in Hobart, Australia. Formed in 2017, the band has been releasing content that celebrates the hard rock and heavy metal in the golden eras of the 70’s and 80’s. With the new 4 song EP “Lonesome Gambler”, SPECTRE is now reinforced with David Harrington-George (The Wizar’d/Tarot) on bass. The results are a serious leap forward on all fronts.

Release via Dying Victims Productions on July 28th, 2023, there are 4 new original recordings and five bonus tracks from the band’s previous singles and splits. It features cover artwork from Waning Gibbous. The formats available are: CD, 12” vinyl, and cassette tape formats. The CD and tape versions will include five bonus tracks from the band’s preceding singles and splits. The line-up of “Lonesome Gambler” is: Will Spectre – all Instruments / Vocals, and
David Harrington-George – Bass.

SPECTRE have thrown the gauntlet down on this release; they mean business and it shows. On “Lonesome Gambler”, there are strong elements of hard rock, classic heavy metal, and prog-metal that come together to make this a formidable release with strong appeal. Most impressively, there is a huge blast of arena rock that stands out here. The first four tracks elicit clear echoes of Blue Oyster Cult, Hallas, Wytch Hazel, and many others. However, they take all of these influences and blend them into their own brand of NWOTHM. It’s easy to get lost in these tracks with the volume up loud. There high production value that gives the tracks a vibrant quality.

In context, if you compare the four tracks on the EP with the Bonus Tracks from previous releases, it is easy to see how far SPECTRE has come in a short period of time. The bonus tracks have a rough edge to them and are straight up classic metal tracks. It is easy to see the potential in these NWOTHM gems.

This makes the new tracks stand out even further.

1. HERO OF THE ILLUSION – The opening track on the record shows of thick leads and the halo of synths that lend a prog element. This is a strong opening track and sets the bar high for the rest of the EP.

2. WOLFBANE – With a synth lead-in and soaring guitars, this track exudes some strong arena rock vibes and will get you chanting along.

3. LONESOME GAMBLER – Everything about this track is big. It’s an epic NWOTHM tune that really stands out as the title track. The guitar solo on this one is excellent.

4. TURNING THE WHEEL – This is a bombastic, pounding ingot of molten metal. There is also an epic prog-metal backdrop woven into this track. It’s big in every way and is a wonderful journey. Awesome way to close the EP.

Tracks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (DRIFTER, BLACK JEWEL, HARD ATTACKS, SILVER INVADERS, and STAND ALONE) are all stripped down classic metal cuts. They demonstrate the raw potential of the band and then accentuate their growth against the newer tracks.

Wrapping Up:

With the 4-track EP “LONESOME GAMBLER”, SPECTRE has stepped into the NWOTHM arena and show that they are here to win. The songs are epic rockers with prog-metal backdrops that add imagination and texture to the songs. It is an instant classic that needs to be in your listening rotation. Well done and enjoyable!

THENWOTHM SCORE: 9/10