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Wretch: Reborn (Reissue)

Heavy/Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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Pure Steel Records
Released: 27.07.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 18.07.2018

Our friends at Pure Steel Records are doing us a favor. Having signed US traditional metal band Wretch back in 2014, they released two albums, Warriors (2014) and The Hunt (2017), the band's second and third albums. Now, to complete the Wretch catalog, the label reissues their first album, 2006's Reborn with completely new art work. Wretch has always had a revolving door for personnel changes. Excepting lead guitarist Nick Giannakos, this band is completely different than the 2018 version. However, it does feature two-time Wretch vocalist Colin Watson.

Wretch (2006)

While the roots of Wretch date to 1984, well before this album, Reborn finds the band defining their style and gaining traction. Their style is seminal American heavy power metal sufficiently steeped in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal tradition. The band deals out the usual suspects: twin guitar harmony in both riffs and leads, a galloping rhythm section, and clean classic metal lead vocals, often backed by gang vocals. Colin Watson sings melodic, yet with a versatile range and assertive delivery. But mostly, the guitars rule the songs. Twin guitar riffage and soaring leads are manifest and abundant.

As for the songs, most move with the swiftness of power metal such as Mental Wars, Reborn, Touch Like Thunder (Breaker Cover), and Eyes Of Fate. That latter song offers some moderate pacing in parts, but mostly shows off Watson's aforementioned versatility and harmony. Even more so is the metal anthem, The Winners, where Watson can move from assertive to smooth, passionate to soaring. It's also one of the best songs here. For something not quite completely different, there's the short I Am Storm, something fast, punkish, and thrashy. Suffice to say, with their first full length album, which took 22 years to appear, Reborn finds Wretch developing and advancing in their heavy metal career. If you have their latest two albums, complete your collection and get this one. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Suffice to say, with their first full length album, which took 22 years to appear, Reborn finds Wretch developing and advancing in their heavy metal career. If you have their latest two albums, complete your collection and get this one. Recommended.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]