Bow down to the Heathen Cross!
Midlands outfit CLOVEN HOOF must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. The origins of the group go back to the year 1979, when they first formed under the name of Nightstalker. In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: CLOVEN HOOF. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney and main man Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of ‘Earth’, ‘Fire’, ‘Water’ and ‘Air’.
After recording demo versions of songs such as “Return Of The Passover” and “Nightstalker”, CLOVEN HOOF issued their debut vinyl 12” EP »The Opening Ritual« on Elemental Music in 1982. In 1984, the self-titled CLOVEN HOOF album was released, followed by »Fighting Back« (1986), »Dominator« (1988) and »A Sultan’s Ransom« (1989).
After splitting up in the 1990s, CLOVEN HOOF returned with a new line-up and a new record called »Eye Of The Sun« in 2006. In 2014, »Resist Or Serve« was recorded, followed by »Who Mourns For The Morning Star?« (2017), both on High Roller Records.
The album was a bit of a game changer for the band, as they were able to tour with it in North America for the first time in their career. Since then, CLOVEN HOOF have issued two more studio albums, »Age Of Steel« on Pure Steel Records in 2020 and »Time Assassins« on FM Revolver two years later.
With songs like “Do What Thou Wilt”, “Sabbat Stones” and “The Summoning” their brand new album »Heathen Cross« marks the return to High Roller Records. “We are back now where we belong,” smirks Lee Payne. “»Heathen Cross« is CLOVEN HOOF’s most dark and heavy album yet! It has the Satanic undertones of our debut album, but with the best vocalist the group has ever had.
Personally speaking it is hands down my favourite CLOVEN HOOF album. We wanted to recapture the spirit and the supernatural majesty of the debut album. Talking to the fans we have given them what they wanted most, a return to the roots of the NWOBHM. They are going to love it!”
The bassist is indeed full of praise for the band’s new vocalist, enter a certain Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin, of all people: “Harry Conklin is a world-class vocalist. He is super dedicated and highly professional and we knew he would fit in the band seamlessly.
His vocal performance on the new album raises the band to new heights, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear him. Harry is an astounding singer, he is so versatile. He can sing high, low and always with power and passion. He knows how to live and sell a song. Harry is like an actor telling a story, no one interprets my lyrics like Mr. Conklin. I can’t praise him enough. We should have worked together years ago.”
Mixed and mastered by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in December 2023.
LINE-UP
Lee Payne – Bass Guitar
Harry (The Tyrant) Conklin – Lead Vocals
Luke Hatton – Lead Guitar
Chris Coss – Lead Guitar
Ash Baker – Drums / Backing Vocals
Chris Dando – Keyboards / Backing Vocals
REVIEW
CLOVEN HOOF are sort of the underground kings of NWOBHM. Everyone knows IRON MAIDEN, DIAMOND HEAD, DEF LEPPARD, but CLOVEN HOOF is one of the first bands outside of the commercially successful acts that comes to mind. My introduction to them was hearing “Nightstalker”, and that had me hooked from the beginning, and I’ve enjoyed their most recent run as well. I have to give a particular shoutout to 2020s Age of Steel
In terms of the album cover, it’s fantastic. Traditional art, and with a proper occult flair to it, and without being overly busy. Excellent use of color on the backgrounds and the fog! And as for their logo, CLOVEN HOOF’s is an all-timer in my opinion. The demon tail, the almost Ouroboros for the initial C, it’s just perfect.
UPDATE: I have just noticed for the first time that the demon tail and Ouroboros C are connected to each other.
“Benediction” is an intro track that gives us some appropriately horror movie-esque keyboards, and some ominous chanting. Love the thundering drums in this too. A solid, and enticing track of less than a minute.
“Redeemer” had a real solid groove to it, that was quick and easy to get into. Hearing Harry Conklin’s iconic voice on something that wasn’t JAG PANZER took a moment of getting used to, but his pipes never disappoint. The way in which he belts out the chorus and title drop was impossible not to smile at.
“Do What Thou Wilt” began with an infectious riff that reprised throughout the track, a huge highlight of the album so thus far. Conklin had an almost bluesy way that he delivered the lyrics in this one. Glorious slowed down portion near the 2/3 mark that really took it to the next level for me, and the riff that followed it was sublime.
“Last Man Standing” had an opening riff sequence that reminded me of ALICE IN CHAINS (of all bands), there’s a definite grungy twang to the instrumentation here. The addition of a ring bell near the end made me smile. Rarely do sound effects work in music, but I enjoyed the little taste of one here. This was a total banger of a track, even just on riffing alone, but Conklin’s vox were soaring here as well.
“Darkest Before the Dawn” closed out the first half of the record with a more traditional CLOVEN HOOF tune. While I wasn’t super into the overall feel of the song, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that chorus retained that infectiousness that had been seeped into the rest of the album. It might be one that warrants additional listens (and time) before I make my final verdict.
“Vendetta” opened the second half of the album with a bit of a thud. I found this one to be a bit forgettable. Nothing overly or offensively bad, but nothing really stuck out for me either.
“Curse of the Gypsy” however, was a nice change of pace. With some more horror movie inspired guitar sequences throughout (or at least that’s where they made my brain go). The short, but sweet, acoustic sections were a shock at first, but a total treat by the end.
“Frost and Fire”, which is not a CIRITH UNGOL cover, began with an awesome wail on the guitar (love that squeal!). There were some exceptional crunchy riffs in this one, but I think the quieter sequence near the 3 minute mark was the show-stealer. Just before the solo, the song slows down a tick and lets Conklin deliver his vocals unrivaled by the instruments.
“Sabbat Stones” had some great lyrics in it, and some great acoustic bits to accompany them. However, I found the non-acoustic instruments to be just sort of there. I am also considering this the “title track” because of the stones on the album cover.
“The Summoning” was our closer, and also the longest track on the album at a few seconds over 6 minutes. It’s a great track that almost takes that next step into epic territory, coming oh so close at points. The title drop, and the dark vocals when it does, it was glorious. Couple that with the short tempo shift near the end, and it really comes so close to being epic. AUTHOR’S NOTE: It’s an epic, I bestow it the honor of Mother of All Bangers (MOAB).
CONCLUSION
After losing my entire initial draft of this review, due to a power outage, I’m glad that I was able to come back and give it a do-over. CLOVEN HOOF’s “Heathen Cross” continues the trend of NWOBHM bands having renewed vigor to jam alongside the NWOTHM mates that they inspired. While most talk of SATAN and ANGEL WITCH, I feel that CLOVEN HOOF hasn’t gotten the credit they deserve for their current run. This was another solid album from these metal stalwarts who show no signs of slowing down.
TheNWOTHM Score: 7.5/10
CLOVEN HOOF’s “Heathen Cross” will be released on 31 May, 2024
>>>>PRE-ORDER/ORDER HERE<<<<
The Nwothm 
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