Formed in 1984 in Belgium, the first chapter of SCAVENGER starts with their debut album “Battlefields” (1985) released by Mausoleum Records. Standing the test of time, the powerful debut has become a real cult classic of the ’80s underground heavy metal scene. Shortly after its release, Mausoleum ends its activities making it impossible for SCAVENGER to continue but no one expected what was yet to come. This was just the beginning…
A link between past and present.
In 2018, the Belgian heavy rockers break out of their slumbering state and re-emerge onto the scene with a fresh line-up celebrating their well aged first release by playing a series of festivals and club shows around Europe. The band’s metamorphosis/fans sparked the growing demand and creativity to start writing new material and moving forward. Chapter two became imminent after independently releasing their 2-track 7″ single “Backslider” back in 2020.
Fully supported by original members, fans and friends, they present their long anticipated full-length “Beyond The Bells”. Balancing on a tightrope between old-school speed metal and hard rocking anthems, SCAVENGER deliver 9 new tracks assuring listeners to floor the gaspedam and speed at night. Influenced by a variety of ’80s classics, speed metal, NWOBHM and hard rock, this album is a perfect fit for fans of Acid, Warlock, Judas Priest and the spirit of traditional metal.
“Beyond The Bells” was recorded and mixed by Bob Briessinck at Breeze Inc. Studio. Mastered by Jens Larsson at Larsson Mastering. Music producer & synth programming: Anton Mergaerts. Cover artwork by Luisa Agudelo.
Beyond the Bells starts of in far away lands. Beyond the heavens, above the clouds. It’s a beautiful and angelic mix of acoustic guitars, synths and calmness that eventually ascends with open chords, wizzing toms rising guitar notes. I am sat on the edge of my seat!
Black Witchery comes in like something punching through 18 inch walls of pure heavy metal! This is drenched in nostalgia from the raging riffs to the speeding drum patterns and I love it! Tine Luciferas unique vocals tie everything together perfectly and considering this is the first time listening to Scavenger I am impressed already!
Watchout! is the third track blowing out windows! This is classic heavy at its finest combining fast pace, face melting riffs and squealing guitars that that summon the gods! Its been a while since I found a band that delivers interesting and mesmerising music and even though I am on the third track, I am hooked! I notably love the atmospheric guitar section 3.30 in! Just magic!
Streetfighter gets the adrenaline pumping! Some flying hi hats and a big dive bomb squeal kick things off and then expect to discover all the swagger and attitude you could want! And I have to mention that the production is on point! For some reason at moments Tines voice makes me think Olof of Enforcer! I would truly love to see them do a duet together as I think it would truly kickass! Another amazing song!
Defiler takes a slight darker turn but never slows down. This menacing machine thunders down the the night time roads like a demon that had just escaped from hell! Its ferocious and the guitar work screams like its gone insane! This is neck breaking, pedal to the metal kind of track that will tear you apart!
Hellfire wakes you up from a glorious dream of beautiful distance lands where your drinking under a burning sun! This is a mid tempo number that has that feel good feeling spiking that serotonin! The music like every track so far on this album is well written, intricate and latches to your ears truly not letting go! Brilliant!
Slave to the Master gives mysterious atmosphere for its opening with winds gentle rain and what sounds like a light burning fire. Acoustics break through the air of the the cold wintery night. Then, out of the blue a huge melody cuts through the darkness, before the metal fury is unleashed! It mixes things up with passages of walking pace riffage and epic moments of big shouts of slave to the master! The quality has never dropped for a moment!
Nosferatu turns the delivery of electricity up to 11! Prepare for sparks to fly and fires to ignite. This Is like a train at high speed unable to break and uncontrollable on its tracks, especially with magnificent performance by Gabriel DS on drums. The guitars will whip your ear drums and make you want to fist pump in the air like there is no tomorrow! And the main guitar riff is pretty damn catchy.
Crystal Light feels like you have run through a portal into another world. I am a massive fan of silky smooth and enticing guitar tones and this has just that! There is a perfect balance between that old school heavy metal vibe and heroic factor. I think the vocal work is one of the main things that makes this track and with everything piecing all so well together this does feel at moments like its something from another dimension!
Now for some smoking bonus tracks and first up is Backslider! This is one of those tracks you want to have at the end of an album because it delivers! Raise your horns in the air and get ready to rock. This is another spicy and sexy track that you can imagine being played to a stadium full of people! It feels like it was taken right of the 80s’ when the band started and stadium rock/heavy metal was ruling stages around the world!
Finally we are served up the last track Red Hot! And I must say holy cow what a way to end an album. At the time of writing this review I will probably have listened to this track over and over as I really don’t quite know what to say. It goes from once again a beautiful and magical introduction to pure heavy metal gold! It has red hot, epic fast riffing and big bold bass lines that pack a punch! Not to forget melodies so majestic that they would literally turn you to ice if they touched you. Every moment will have your attention!
Conclusion
What can I say! I have never heard Scavenger before but they have just become one of my new favourite bands! This album is absolutely killer with not a single filler track to be seen. It has everything I love from that scooped classic guitar sound that breaks sound barriers to scorching vocal lines! If you want an album that is well written, layered in texture and emotions with top notch production then this is for you! If have never listened to Scavenger then go and do it! This may be the first album going on my top 10 albums list for 2024!
The Nwothm Score 10/10
The Nwothm 
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