Release date: Out now!

Villain was formed in Toronto in 2017 by Caleb Beal and Jake Gracie. They released their self-titled EP independently in 2018, which was followed by a series of gigs and a tour across Canada. This led to the EP being picked up by Swords & Chains Records for it’s first physical release on cassette in October, 2019. Recording sessions for the debut full-length album “Don’t Be A Hero” had started as early as January 2020, however, the approaching pandemic and it’s restrictions in Toronto had effectively put production on hold. It was eventually finished in the summer of 2021 while still under restrictions but was shelved, mostly due to the band not being able to play live again until 2022. More line-up changes would further delay the release, with “Don’t Be A Hero” finally arriving independently in February 2025.

Review

Don’t Be A Hero starts off scorching! This is 100% burning heavy metal so image cooking a tasty hot breakfast on the bonnet of a car that is still hot touch! There are screaming guitar leads, storming drum patterns that could cause a riot and vocals that could shatter windows. This is an instant neck breaker so if you like going nuts at a show then this is certainly one of those songs that will leave you soar afterwards. I can feel the energy and smoke radiating of the music so an absolute killer start to the album!

Venus Mound starts off with some octobans before you are plummeting into a mid tempo stomp, charged by soaring lead licks. The pace changes throughout giving us chunky rhythm sections, more sexy lead guitar work that feels like its going to burn a hole in something and of course the belting vocal work of Caleb! Just under 3 minutes this another song that stops for no one and promises to get everyone moving.

Too Late For Heaven opens up wailing, packing so much energy it feels like a cooked grenade about to go off. It storms forward with quick picking rhythms and the solid backbone keeping things together provided by Jake and Merlyn. The lead work I must say so far has been absolutely insane and feels like something that could easily give you brain freeze! Even the tones feel classic like they have based off those 80s’s guitar amp sounds. Love it!

Womaneater is all about searching the heart and digging deep. There are some grooving hi-hat patterns, bass stabs and plenty of emotion flowing in this song. It feels more straightforward with rhythms pushing things forward while the focus feels more on the vocals this time round. Guitar melodies gently sing in the background to add extra interest which is a great addition. But as we progress the band breaks things up adding a big tom section and a change in the drumming. Another really solid song!

Sweet Danger brings us back to sweet fiery guitar riffing speeding down a long road in the desert. You see the heat above the tarmac as this beast of a track zooms past at 100 miles per hour. I love how the lead guitars come in and out tantalising us but also adding some bends and squeals. It is clear to me that Caleb and Dan know that how to make you sweat with their absolute punishing guitar ideas. And even at moments you can hear how synchronised the bass and drum work of Jake and Merlyn are. They are so locked in and nice to be able to hear the bass come through the mix.

Trouble is another mid tempo banger. This feels drenched in 80’s nostalgia and is a welcome addition to an already killer album. After the intro, the main opening riffs feel a bit hair metal or if they were from a stadium rock band. They feel like the type of riffs that are trying to seduce your ears with their sexy sweet notes. Caleb delivers an epic performance and I especially appreciate the huge sounding group vocals on the choruses. As always the solo doesn’t disappoint and to be honest the fact that tone feels a little bit gritty and raw gives it extra character.

Fires In The North turns things up a notch and delivers a powerful opening riff before we get into the thick of things. Noticeably the guitar work feels slightly brighter especially on the rhythms and I get this instant feel good feeling. I can imagine this being one of those songs at a show that will get everyone singing along, especially on the guitar choruses. So everything hits hard before the pace slows down and the loving guitar sing through the large open space. Eventually the chorus lyrics bring everything back in and leave that fuzzy warmth in your heart.

The Ride is a stomping giant, using a mid tempo kick-snare ride pattern. The bass and rhythms chug forward providing a solid bed to the glistening vocal guitar work, that sparkles under the rays of the sun. As soon as this song rang out from my speakers I could not help by nod along. Ultimately the whole thing feels like a warm sweet embrace. The guitar melodies are beautiful and feel like they are trying to announce their love to the listener. But because it takes a simple yet powerful approach everything is clear sounding and use of space works really well!

What A Nice Place is another kind of short song! It opens with a single chugging guitar riff backed by the wash of cymbals helping it build up before we reach the verse. Imagine driving towards the horizon on a summer nights day feeling the glow of the sunset embrace your eyes. Beers in hand having a good time. But then being catapulted into a frenzied kind of section for a brief period before being brought back round to the main song ideas. The chants of what a nice place are perfect touch to the song!

We reach the end of the album finishing up with Razing Hell (Tokyo). This is yet another thunderous metal monster that will you pull you in. It shines bright as another heavy metal slice taken right from those glory days. I have wanted to headbang and pump my fists non stop throughout this album and this is no exception. The velvety smooth calls of Tokyo will get people singing in harmony and the solo will slide down your ears majestically. Prepare to have your metal senses blown again. A great way to finish an album!

Conclusion

I’m always on the hunt for bands that truly embody the essence of heavy metal, and Villain have delivered exactly that. From the soaring guitar riffs to the slick vocals and dazzling production, this album is everything I crave in the genre. It’s the kind of record I know I’ll be spinning on repeat. If you’re looking for something that feels ripped straight from the golden era of ’80s heavy metal, this one’s for you. A strong contender for my top 10 of 2025!

TheNwothm Score: 10/10

Links

Bandcamp: https://heavymetalvillain.bandcamp.com/album/dont-be-a-hero

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/heavymetalvillain 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavymetalvillain

VILLAIN:
Caleb Beal – Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar
Jake Gracie – Drums, backing Vocals
Dan Stewart – Rhythm Guitar
Merlyn Beal – Bass