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STAR RIDER
Outta Time

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 5.5/10

With band members called Killer Kim (vocals), Läther Deth (lead guitar), Chainsaw Charly (rhythm guitar), Alex Renegade (bass) and Lizzy Kicks (drums) I expected some sort of beefy, theatrical W.A S.P. throwback, but instead I got hit by some Enforcer worship, which is rather strange considering the French band formed in 2004 and are somewhat a throwback anyway.

But hey, Star Rider’s debut full-length is a pretty solid experience that if released in the mid-80s would have been second tier, mid-table metal at best. Even so, in today’s climate Star Rider still might end up being swallowed by a scene of sound-alike’s and so Outta Time is more of an occasional cosy retreat to settle into, should the mood take you.

The opening title track features a nice rattling bass and some borderline speed metal antics with the axe work, but it’s unremarkable, particularly the snappy yappy vocal attack of Killer Kim who is far from killing it. ‘Rock Muscle’ is a steady mid-tempo rocker where I hear flashes of Riot but without the bite, except for the tidy percussion from Lizzy Kicks.

At times I feel that Star Rider would be more comfortable as a punchy sleaze metal act, one of those overlooked bunch of reprobates from 1987 that never made the grade. ‘Shoot To Kill’ is boisterous but just metal by numbers, as is speedster ‘Angle Mort’, although the bass impresses once again. ‘Hell Breaks Loose’ and ‘Resistance’ zip by without any real impact as again I’m finding myself rather irritated by the snide vocal yaps.

‘Rings Of Saturn (Take You For A Ride)’ is arguably the standout track, steadily mesmerising with its measured meaty riffs and tapping into a more genuine, early 80s flair. However, Killer Kim still lacks the oomph to carry us through what is essentially a rather flimsy attempt of nostalgia. I believe that interest in this sort of rock will be fleeting, but I hope that Star Rider proves me wrong.

Neil Arnold

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