German trad metallers KERRIGAN present their debut album “Bloodmoon”, due for release 22nd September 2023 through HIGH ROLLER records!

Following on their well received demo “Heavy Metal 2020”, this German metal outfit are set to unleash 8 slabs of glorious heavy metal in the form of “Bloodmoon”. The album has a persistent stomp to it, mostly sitting at a mid paced level so those none too rare bursts of speed really shine through. What’s on offer here is metal harking back to the golden age of NWOBHM, but with a contemplating fresh sound and an overall bright feel.

Album opener “Eternal Fire” wastes no time at all getting straight to it with flashy guitar licks, howling vocals and driving riffing. The track is peppered with cool lead breaks. This album is filled with earworms in which the melodies will stick with you for some time, and this blazing opener is no exception! There’s a clear reason why the band have used this as their lead single. Next up is the title track “Bloodmoon” which dials back the speed, sounding like a SATAN track – sharp, catchy and very metal. There’s some truly unique riffing here, enhanced by the tasteful layered guitars. Some nice vocal harmonies are thrown in here particularly in towards the closing end.

“Against The Westwinds” is another slower paced rocker, with fantastical lyrics backed by tasteful melodies, both in the guitars and vocal lines. Lyrically this would fit nicely with any power metal band. The middle sees a narrative driven section, before the lead guitar takes centre stage replaying some of the melodies heard previously. It’s a 7 minute track which rarely drags. Next up “Forces of Night” smashes you straight back into full metal attack, with an enthusiastic “C’mon”, going into speed metal fury! At just over the 3 minute mark this no nonsense banger is a nice contrast the previous epic. Not much else to say other than great riffs, singalong chorus and tasteful leads!

“Hold The Banner” begins the 2nd side, a plodding metal monster which is at perfect headbanging speed. Catchy verses and huge chorus pulls you in and some truly nice falsetto. This sort of track would go down a storm in a live environment, which I hope happens. A rocking solo closes out the final part of the track, dialling back the shred for a more bluesy approach. “Child of Sin” begins in typical NWOBHM fashion, with catchy melodies and driving riffing held throughout. The track has an overall positive feel which is prominent on most tracks so far. The song structure is basic leaving room for the vocals to take the lead. An unexpected change in the last quarter takes you by surprise and finishes the track nicely!

Penultimate track “Pull The Trigger” has a notably heavier sound with riffing and chords at the lower end, and you’re treated to some awesome USPM-like riffing. The vocals are pretty relenting on this track, and seems like there isn’t a section where there’s no vocal melody or lines, which is no bad thing when the tone and delivery of the singing is so well done. Album closer “Mesmerizer” stomps along with confidence and swagger and goes from speed metal riffing to slower old metal pounding. This is another 7 minute opus with plenty of different turns and changes to keep you engaging. The drums in particular really shine through here, complimenting the ever changing riffs and supporting them with power.

Conclusion

A refreshing metal masterpiece celebrating all that’s great about heavy metal – headbanging riffs, fantastical lyrical concepts, layers of melody, dynamic vocals and all recorded in a way that keeps the clarity in all instruments.

THENWOTHM Score: 9/10

Links:

HIGH ROLLER wesbite: https://www.hrrecords.de
HIGH ROLLER socials: https://www.facebook.com/hrrecords
https://www.instagram.com/highrollerrecordsofficial
KERRIGAN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kerriganheavymetal