REVIEW: ACID BLADE – SHOOTING STAR (EP)

This straightforward, all-killer extended play shows that this band is ready to melt faces with their no-nonsense approach and leave a lasting impression with stylistic flourishes that help them stand out.

Acid Blade is borne from what was once known as Angel Blade, a straightforward NWOTHM outfit hailing from Dresden. This is my first experience with their work so let’s allow the kind people at Jawbreaker Records to set the stage for us:

Jawbreaker Records are proud to announce the release of ACID BLADE‘s “Shooting Star” EP on vinyl, cassette, CD, and digital formats.
ACID BLADE is a powerful Heavy Metal outfit based in Dresden, Germany. After releasing their first demo independently in May 2021, Jawbreaker Records was responsible for the release of their debut album “Power Dive” in August 2022. The record was met with great reviews and a tour through Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Denmark and Sweden followed shortly after the release.
There was no time to lose however, as ACID BLADE clearly live by the motto “Strike while the iron is hot”! In April 2023 it was time to enter the studio again – this time with Jonny Astus, original drummer for the previous band incarnation Angel Blade, back behind the drum kit. This change led to the band sounding even more energized and even though the EP harkens back to their NWOBHM-inspired roots, the result still sounds fresh and exciting.
ACID BLADE‘s sound remains raw and honest and the EP features four distinctive songs, each offering a different facet of the band’s sound. From the rapid “Mercy of the Wind”, to the epic “Rise from the Grave” (clocking in at almost 8 minutes) and the catchy “Shooting Star” and “Weeping Willow”, this EP has something for everyone and is sure to please all fans of their former material.
“Shooting Star” will be out on Friday the 13th October, 2023.
–Jawbreaker Records

Now that we have a better idea of what we are getting into, let’s hit play and break it down track by track:

1. Shooting Star begins with a brief but slow and slightly proggy intro passage that lulls you into a false sense of security before shifting into the highest of gears! A drum assault that dances between the left and right channels gives way to NWOTHM goodness. A soaring, melodic chorus is icing on the heavy metal cake! The guitars have a tasty, classic crunch to them. This is traditional metal in its purest form. A strong introduction and a killer title track is always appreciated.

2. Mercy of the Wind gets to the action immediately. The energy is high and it doesn’t relent! The solos here are particularly good and the twin guitar harmonies take things up to a higher level. The title of the EP itself is very fitting because this track soars as well.

3. Weeping Willow kicks off with a very ’80s riff that leads into a driving chug which carries the track. Some subdued but still melodic twin guitar work weaves everything together nicely. The prominent and distinct vocals really help differentiate this band from others in the scene and help these choruses become brain-eating earworms! More tremendous lead work puts the bow on this song.

4. Rise from the Grave sounds exactly like you would hope for after hearing what has come before, and it’s very welcome indeed. The riffs and vocals take a more sinister turn that works very well. There are harsh, piercing screams, slower atmospheric passages, and twin guitar gallops accompanied by solos that all come together to show a bit of variety to close this extended play strongly.

For a first encounter with this band, I am impressed! When an act is able to check off the necessary boxes and make you smile as you bang your head to the tunes, it’s an accomplishment worthy of praise. Acid Blade has come out swinging right into my playlist and this EP is absolutely worth your time if you need something fresh but familiar.

Wrapping Up:

Like any good heavy metal EP, this assemblage of songs wastes none of your valuable time so I won’t needlessly prattle on. This is a very meat-and-potatoes affair and there’s a reason why that combination fed generations of warriors for centuries! If these four tracks are meant to be an appetizer I cannot wait to see what arrives when the waiter lifts the cloche off of the main course. Have your garlic, salt, butter, and chives prepared because you want to be ready when that time comes. If you’re a fan of recent no-nonsense fare such as Fortress, Night Cobra, Firmament, or Black Trip/VOJD, then Acid Blade is a band to keep your eye on and if you’re new to them like I was then you can start here!