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RUTHLESS
They Rise

Pure Steel (2015)
Rating: 9/10

Now, this is very much a band returning to life; clambering out of that dusty vault into which they were born and again reaching for the sunlight. Ruthless, if you don’t know the name, was an American band which formed out of Los Angeles way, way back in 1982, and it seemed their career was really taking off in 1986 when they issued a rollicking debut full-length album called Discipline Of Steel.

The future looked bright and a second album was on the way, but the band folded in 1990 and returned to the darkness of the crypt seemingly forever more. But, is that a rustle I can hear somewhere deep down with the earth? It sure is, because Ruthless are back from the grave with a brand new record, and the title could not be more apt.

The band is still lead by vocalist Sammy DeJohn, and he’s joined by original axeman Ken McGee; both of whom began to stir the Ruthless cauldron in 2008. They are joined by another veteran axeman in the form of Dave Watson, who on his impressive C.V. can count stints with Hirax, Shades Of Crimson and The Violent Breed. On the drum stool we have perched Jason VanSlyke, while bass duties are handled by Ken’s brother Marc.

I have to admit that some resurrections tend to disappoint; one of which springs to mind being the latest incarnation of Danish metallers Evil. There’s also that worry that a reunited band may have a tendency to sound like some of the more contemporary revival bands. Thankfully though, this isn’t the case with this truly demonic slab of vintage metal. In fact, it’s as if Ruthless have simply continued from where they left us in those halcyon days of rock.

The first mention must go to the guitar tone. While so many acts opt for a glossy production which tends to give the rhythm section an icy feel, the riffing here is absolutely killer and formidable in its stance. From the opening chug of ‘Defender’ we are transported back to the 80s; not in the form of saggy nostalgia, but in simple burning passion as Ruthless show us that they know no other way to live except by churning out breathtaking power metal.

Sammy DeJohn’s vocals are still blessed with steely aplomb as he commands his way through that mesh of blissful weight, bolstered by Jason VanSlyke’s insistent drum clank, and with Marc McGee’s equally fortified bass it’s as if Ruthless are building an empire with each hammering blast.

As ‘Defender’ comes to a close I’m almost reluctant to slap on the next batch of tracks in case this metallic mess proves to be nothing more than a returning flash in the pan. However, I needn’t have worried, because Ruthless make up for lost time with the simmering mysticism of ‘Laceration’ which begins with a smattering of cymbals and plods above a stark guitar tinkle. But you just know the band is leading us a merry dance, as we’re soon treated to another mesmerising trudge; the darkness of the riff pierced by DeJohn’s warrior wail. ‘Laceration’ is a mid-tempo stomp of stone, riddled with aching majesty, creating a time machine back to an era of pure gold, but also harbouring proof that there’s still time for the old Gods to spread their black wings.

And the brooding continues with the leviathan that is the title track; a Goth-drenched smörgåsbord riddled with weaving solos, devious bass plunders and thunderous percussion. We also hear a band eager to express its bursts of energy too, with the straight-up fizzing thrasher ‘Hang Man’.

The album isn’t without its melodious subtleties, however; ‘Circle Of Trust’ is another warrior anthem injected with some nice delicate touches where the guitar refrains from being just melodramatic grumbles, while ‘Time Waits’ is another slow-building drama as it chimes with a ballad-esque qualities, hinting at the bombastic statements of Manilla Road and the likes.

As a bonus, we are also treated to the five songs that made up the furious escapades of the band’s 1984 Metal Without Mercy EP. I have to say that the new nine songs on offer here easily match the prowess of that older material, and for that I can only applaud Ruthless – a band which refuses to be forgotten and demands your attention as they rise from the ashes and take to the sky like a fiery dragon eager to wreak its havoc.

Neil Arnold

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