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Pure Steel Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 17.07.2019 | Released: 02.08.2019
Once more we enter our DeLorean time machine to travel to the glory days of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The sign post up ahead, 1984 where we find struggling and obscure heavy metal band Sacrilege, founded by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Bill Beadle. Expiring in 1987, it would be 25 years before Beadle and crew would return to find some lasting respect and success. Since 2011 the band has dropped five studio albums and two compilations. Now Sacrilege returns with The Court Of The Insane for Germany's Pure Steel Records.
With the reference to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM), I basically described the Sacrilege sound in a nutshell. The band and this album are truly a time warp to that era, deja vu all over again as it were. Sacrilege features the usual NWoBHM elements, so I repeat myself once more. Twin guitar harmony. Killer guitar solos. Some gallop from the rhythm section. Basically clean, steady, and melodic vocals. With all things wrapped up in melody, harmony, and hard rock groove. The formula may be a familiar one, but over the years it's become transcendent and consistent. That's why we love it.
As for the songs, you'll find this heavy metal recipe prominent. With songs like The Court Of The Insane, No Bequeath, or The Prophet, you'll find heavy metal with brisk riffs, steady pacing, and large guitar solos for an anthemic feeling. Sacrilege gets somewhat more rambunctious with the bit faster tunes Bring Out Your Dead and Unhinged Mind. Alternatively, Lies can be fast, but also turns on a fine rock groove, accessible refrain, and roaring guitar work. Later, at the close of the album, gets loud again with the riff raging heavy metal rock of Ride Free. Essentially, The Court Of The Insane finds Sacrilege offering a fine and entertaining album of classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal for the 21st century. Recommended.
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Essentially, The Court Of The Insane finds Sacrilege offering a fine and entertaining album of classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal for the 21st century. Recommended.
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