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Spartan Warrior: Hell To Pay

Heavy Metal

4.5/5.0

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Pure Steel Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 21.02.2018

By 1980, when England's Spartan Warrior first emerged, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM) was in fifth gear and at full throttle. In their brief early existence, the band dropped two albums, 1983's Steel 'n Chains and 1984's self-titled Spartan Warrior, before disbanding in 1985. But what goes around, comes around. Classic heavy metal has made a resurgence at the turn of the century, and Spartan Warrior was resurrected in 2009 to some fanfare. A year later, they delivered their third album Behind Closed Eyes. Now, some eight years later, Spartan Warrior is back with their latest and fourth album, Hell To Pay.

Spartan Warrior

Spartan Warrior and their NWoBHM sound will be familiar to all fans of the beloved genre. The formula is simple and we know it well: twin guitar harmony in the riffage, thrilling guitar solos, a strong rhythm section for both gallop and groove, straightforward clean vocals, and song arrangements that turn on melody, harmony, and a notable rock groove. It's all here.

You'll find more brisk, power metal, pacing with songs such as the short Hell To Pay, the razor sharp Court Of Clowns, and Walls Fall Down, which begins with a tasty drum flurry. Spartan Warrior dials back on the speed slightly within Shadowland, which also has a light guitar breakdown at the midpoint. In Memorium, a song roaring with riffs and solos, juxtaposes thumping moderate pacing in the first half with some speed in the latter half. In the middle of the album, you'll find Something To Believe In, a true heavy metal anthem, beginning with acoustic guitar and then rising to a smashing crescendo. All said, with Hell To Pay, Spartan Warrior delivers a fine album of "keep it true" heavy metal in the grand tradition of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Easily 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.

With Hell To Pay, Spartan Warrior delivers a fine album of "keep it true" heavy metal in the grand tradition of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Easily recommended.

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