New Warriors of Metal Arise!

Portland, Oregon outfit BLADE reached out to us here at TheNWOTHM to have a looksee at their “Metal Warriors” EP, here’s their message for us:

First off love what you do for the Metal community and heavy metal music and its entirety. Thank you. Figured you might like to give this EP a listen we are on track to produce a new recording of much higher caliber, but this is our first Lofi offering. Above I provided a link to the Instagram page in the bio is a link to our EP up on YouTube
Cheers!
Meshach

REVIEW

“In the Beginning” is much like it sounds, a spoken word intro to the album. It hits all the bells and whistles of ridiculous over-the-top metal fandom (references to spikes, battle, metal gods, and even has a demonic evil voiceover). Basically, it’s the greatest thing ever created by mankind, and metal bands should never stop doing these sort of tracks. They’re fun and a great way to get me into an album.

“Metal Lord” erupted with thunder, as the wail of a banshee and the steamrolling of drums soldiered ahead. Being what is essentially a demo, the production is still surprisingly solid. Sure the vox may be a bit unpolished and the drums a bit too loud, but I don’t hate it. This was a solid proper start to the album, and it definitely made me want to keep listening.

“Moonlight Knight” opened up with super strong NWOBHM influence, the SAXON is strong with this one. It continued the momentum brought on by the previous track, while still keeping it distinct enough to tell them apart. Throw in an earworm of a chorus, and some great vocals, and you’ve got a winner on your hands. Also have to give a shoutout to the rest of the trio as well, everyone is giving it their all.

“Siren’s Song” was a simple synth/keys interlude, and as a bonafide sucker for all things synth related, I christen this track as a banger.

“Leather Maiden” was a massive standout for me! The riffing, the groove, the solo, and oh man that chorus. This was a perfect metal song through and through. I have no other words for this one other than LISTEN TO IT! It’s that good. Great work BLADE.

“Screamin’ Machine” kept the 80s homage train a-rolling, with a track that reminded me mightily of early speed metal bands like the mighty EXCITER. It’s a balls to the wall extravaganza of heavy metal goodness. These lads are tight!

“Metal Warriors & Hell Raisers” had a bit of a different feel for me, it landed less so in speed metal territory and closer almost to epic metal. I picked up on a bit of CIRITH UNGOL in there as well, which is always a huge bonus to literally anything. And oh my god that guitar solo was otherworldly!

“Rockhard Overlords” was our final track and began with a death growl (it might’ve been a belch honestly). Regardless, this one reminded me a bit of MIDNIGHT (who are coincidentally touring with EXCITER this summer). It wasn’t quite my cup of tea, but I didn’t not like it.

CONCLUSION

For an EP that, by the band’s own admission, is “lofi”, this was surprisingly well made. I expected dodgy production and amateur hour music, but what I got was a some excellent headbanging heavy metal. A power trio personified where all three members give it their all, and each leave memorable performances. BLADE definitely showed their versatility and skillsets on this one. I can’t wait to see where BLADE goes from here. Thanks for reaching out, lads!

TheNWOTHM Score: 9/10

BLADE
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