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ATTACKER
Armor Of The Gods EP

Metal On Metal (2018)
Rating: 8/10

Kick-started by a sample from the movie Clash Of The Titans, power metallers Attacker signal their latest strike of venom – the New Jersey gang continuing to yield mighty swords of steel and wave banners of true metal origin under the command of vocal killer Bobby “Leather Lungs” Lucas.

While drummer Mike Sabatini may be the only original member, Attacker’s sound still remains potent after several decades in the business even with the hiatus in 1989 and eventual return in 2001. But since then the guys have released four full-length studio albums and now this EP which features four scorching studio tracks and a brace of live tracks.

The live offerings come in the form of ‘World Destroyer’ and ‘Glen Of The Ghost’, both recorded at the Up The Hammers XII festival in May 2017. The latter originally appeared on 2013 opus Giants Of Canaan, while the former featured on 2016’s Sins Of The World.

However, it’s the new material that is of most interest here and I’m pleased to say that it easily matches up to anything the band has released in the past. The quartet of tracks bulldoze in steely fashion like it was 1984 all over again, with the guitar blitz of Mike Benetatos and Jon Hasselbrink adding extra vim to proceedings as the band rattles out effortless, galloping metal that hints at Iron Maiden and Judas Priest while employing a Teutonic grace too; the posse at times resorting to speedier ascensions infiltrated by smoking solo work and the crushing bass plods of Brian Smith.

My favourite track on offer is ‘Frightmare’, a sizzling power-cum-thrash hammer attack of fire and ice daubed in grey glory and driven further through stone walls by Bobby Lucas’ soaring vocal prowess.

Unlike so many other acts still doing the rounds, Attacker do not rely on too much glimmer and polish. Instead, we have a strong production that doesn’t hinder the band’s vintage feel. Just check out that booming rhythm provided by ‘Skinwalker’; an epic slice of doomed up power metal where all tones are lowered to construct a deep, resonating wall of belligerence.

Meanwhile, the opening title track is pure blazing majesty as we’re immediately hit by some tremendous axe work and rattling bass before the drums start their prod and we’re off on a steady, melodic flow evoking ancient ruins and monsters within the shadows. On this track Lucas comes belting like a warrior, fully armoured and with glinting steel – his vocals a wondrous powerhouse to behold.

‘Gallows Hill’ follows suit with more mesmerising musicianship as the army fends off critters with bony bass dribbles, staggering percussive pulverisation and those doom-laced axe exploits.

This is true heavy metal awash with vintage stylings and yet still within the now. But more than anything Attacker shows the upstarts of today just how to fuse traditional metal sprints with power metal devastation. The metal gods will be happy.

Neil Arnold

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