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AGE OF STEEL
Age Of Steel EP

Self-released (2023)
Rating: 7.5/10

The cover art and band moniker suggested to me that this debut EP was going to be a standard, lo-fi metal outing… and I was right. But don’t let such simple designs put you off, because as I’ve said many times before traditional throwback metal still charms the lycra pants off me if done correctly.

Age Of Steel is a Spanish combo that formed in 2018 and they introduce themselves here with the smouldering six-minute rocker ‘Was Born’. After a slow, stark beginning the quintet hints towards a fizzing 80s speed metal drive; tight in its percussion, crisp in the bass and on fire with the double edged axe attack. Vocally, the chap known as André Speed boasts an almost uncontrollable high warbler, but it’s competent and shrill enough to drag this four- track EP further into the underground of Catalonia.

You would have heard millions of bands like this over the decades, but there remains a mystery and charm to its profile which I guess I didn’t expect. There is a genuine weight and darkness to proceedings as ‘Smoke & Dust’ enters with a swaggering traipse, gang shouts and unexpected subtle interlude. Hats off to the axe team of Pablo Sáez and Cristian LM because their playing really conjures up a slightly unorthodox atmosphere, even though this is essentially a traditional opus with flashes of speed metal. ‘We Are Better’ and the closing namesake track maintain that sizzling yet stuffy atmosphere as the guitars and bass provide dense, impenetrable walls of steel.

For such an obscure EP the songs on offer sound heroic, cocksure and simmering with a confidence, and it is somewhat frustrating when bands like this get so overlooked. Slot this back in 1986 and Metal Forces would probably be telling you to keep an eye on this band. Of course, much time has passed but with this EP Age Of Steel is still a band to watch.

Neil Arnold

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