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Dendera: The Killing Floor
Dendera: The Killing Floor
Heavy/Power Metal
4.5/5.0
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Metalbox Recordings
by Craig Hartranft, 04.24.2013
Bringing a fresh perspective to a classic metal sound is England's Dendera with their debut album, The Killing Floor. Dendera clearly stands in the tradition of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. You can definitely hear some Saxon, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in their sound, but maybe some older Metallica as well.
Dendera:: listen to Bridges Will Burn.
But, fundamentally, what you hear is some very good heavy metal from five guys who have some talent beyond their young years. The songs are well-crafted with skillful arrangements that engage every player. And the playing is at a premium as well. You can tell that Dendera has been working hard at honing their skills and sound. Besides these things, Dendera's strength comes in three areas: vocals, rhythm section, and lead guitars.
As to the guitars, Dendera works from that classic twin guitar attack (also made famous by the NWOBHM), playing in harmony and ripping off some great leads. The rhythm section reminds of the strength and efficiency of Harris and McBrain. Ashley Edison has a powerful style: strong, clear, a bit raspy. He sounds like an angry Bruce Dickinson with a little Udo Dirkschneider thrown in. However, by the end of the record, some may find his delivery predictable and tiring. Nevertheless, in the end, Dendera lets the music do the talking: straight melodic heavy metal with no ballads or fillers. Best picks: Senlac Hill, Bridges Will Burn (listen above), The Killing Floor, For Vengeance.
Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.
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With The Killing Floor, England's Dendera breathes fresh life into the classic NWOBHM tradition with some compelling and entertaining heavy metal. Easily recommended.
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