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PURSUIT
Loose Lips

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 7.5/10

The crappy album title doesn’t really do this 80s throwback justice as Leipzig’s Pursuit emerges from the shadows like some previously forgotten Euro metal outfit shelved for decades, but back with a bite.

It’s always good to hear bands nodding towards the great halcyon era of metal, and while a glut of bands are attempting such retro metal there are certain gems which stand out, and this debut full-length platter could well be one of them.

While steeped in fiery melody, Loose Lips has enough air about its style to let each instrument breath so as not to appeal as forced or pinched. The guitar tone is crisp and brisk, and vocalist Johannes Hurtig has that powerful yet somewhat no frills design but is able to effortlessly command proceedings as alongside him Oliver Leonhardt slams the skins and Antonio Martinez whacks his bass strings. However, I do find myself revisiting the guitar work of Tariq Lorenz and Patrick Fischer who bring that extra vim and energy, particularly to opener ‘Lovers Have Their Price’ and the decidedly Gothic strut of title track where Hurtig shows his versatility.

‘Roadreaper’ follows a similar theme with its edginess, while ‘Porcelain’ flashes with killer solos and exuberance. It’s fresh, raucous metal streaked with big melodies (the nostalgic swagger of ‘Coins On Your Eyes’) and metallic attitude (‘Hate Your Darlings’), but there’s also an unorthodox and maybe unintentional glammy tinge too. There’s plenty of ingredients to swallow here but it makes for a rather colourful ride into the depths of mid-to-late 80s metal madness.

Neil Arnold

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