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LÖANSHARK
The Gangland Tapes

Iron Oxide (2021)
Rating: 7.5/10

This is a new compilation of tracks from a Spanish heavy metal band that formed just four years ago out of Barcelona. I’m unsure as to whether a compilation is required at this stage, but this release brings together the band’s 2018 debut EP The Warning Sessions and the two singles which followed.

Hidden behind the back alley cover art are eight tracks of straight up, no frills metal with titles such as ‘Fast, Heavy, Loud ’N Proud’, ‘Heavy Metal Addicts’, ‘Turn It Louder’ and ‘Black Leather Queen’. Crank up the volume then for this collection of direct hits.

Opening cut ‘Sinner Rider’ is a rollicking track plucked straight from the early to mid 80s and showcases the driving percussion of Ángel Smolski and the rattling bass of Aless Oppossed, who in tandem work as a crucial element of the band’s attack – think early Iron Maiden fused with Accept. The sound is often speedy and brings to mind the rust-ridden glory days of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal where the likes of Raven ruled the roost.

‘Fast, Heavy, Loud ’N Proud’ is a tour de force of hasty metal. Lögan Heads vocals are snappy, as is his axe work as the trio strides through a plethora of macho metal speedballs.

Featuring flashes of Tank and early Mötley Crüe spliced with Anvil, ‘Black Leather Queen’ is ballsy and streetwise, ‘Heavy Metal Addicts’ trundles nicely, and ‘Machinegunner’ begins with an explosive axe and drum tirade.

The band boasts a dirty, oily, and very much authentic nature even with the slower ‘Midnight Shooter’. But at whatever pace they choose, Löanshark remains a potent force that directs its audience like an arrow from a crossbow. Now bring me an album.

Neil Arnold

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