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DURBIN
Screaming Steel

Frontiers (2024)
Rating: 7/10

With song titles like ‘Made Of Metal’, ‘Screaming Steel’, ‘Power Of The Reaper’, ‘Beyond The Night’ and ‘Tear Them Down’ one could be forgiven for thinking they were reading the song titles off a Judas Priest opus. However, this is in fact the latest release from Durbin, a band spearheaded by Californian native James Durbin. The Santa Cruz fist pumper and chest basher has not only appeared on television talent show American Idol in 2011 (he finished fourth, if anyone cares), but also revels in the denim n’ leathery shadows of 80s metal worship.

James Durbin is no fly-by-night retro imitator, having released three solo albums between 2011 and 2016 as well as contributing lead vocals to two Quiet Riot albums – Road Rage (2018) and Hollywood Cowboys (2019) – and a label like Frontiers isn’t just going to sign up a heap of novelty throwback trash. With the second Durbin full-length composition, James has constructed another strong collection of heavy metal tracks that bristle with nostalgia for sure, but there is talent behind the mask.

The title track epitomizes what Durbin is about through the strong appreciation of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden etc. Yes, it’s derivative, but then again what isn’t nowadays? Everything contained here is delivered with a fiery passion that results in a rather tight and glossy outing that could be criticized for lacking weight while remaining sharp.

Opener ‘Made Of Metal’ sets the high pitch with its borderline Teutonic speed metal worship coupled with a Rob Halford-like squeal of electricity. The album is boosted by guitarists Aldo Lonobile (who also produces the album) and Luca Birotto who provide such a sizzling backbone and a subtlety too, particularly on the evocative ‘Hallows’ with its haunting vintage Dio strains.

Streaks of Helloween appear alongside the more formulaic Judas Priest and Iron Maiden gallops, so there’s nothing new going on even with the contemporary edges, but the album remains solid, often anthemic and memorable. Flecks of Savatage on ‘Power Of The Reaper’, a marrying of Maiden and Thin Lizzy with ‘Beyond The Night’, and thrashier aspects with ‘Blazing High’. The music most certainly matches the Priest-esque cover art; glinting like the steel claws of the ferocious cat depicted.

Screaming Steel is a progression from Durbin’s 2021 debut The Beast Awakens, and this one really should please many a headbanger.

Neil Arnold

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