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Traveler: Traveler
Traveler 2019 Self-titled Debut Music Review

Traveler: Traveler

Traditional Heavy Metal
4.5/5.0

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Gates Of Hell Records
Released: 22.02.2019
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.02.2019

From the home of the famous Calgary Stampede comes a new metal band, Traveler. Started as a side project by guitarist Matt Ries (Gatekrashör and Hrom), he dropped a three song demo in 2018 which was well-received by fans and press alike. With this blooming success, Ries created a completely new band featuring vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud (Gatekeeper), second guitarist Toryin Schadlich, bassist Dave Arnold (ex-Striker) and drummer Chad Vallier. Traveler arrives with their first long player which includes the three songs form the demo (Starbreaker, Behind The Iron, Mindless Maze) and five new compositions.

Traveler Photo - Click For Larger Image

Traveler

Cutting to the chase, Traveler plays traditional heavy metal harkening back to those seminal days of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal which invaded and inspired many bands in Europe, North America, and around the world. You know the genre. But if you've been living under a heavy metal rock the formula goes like this: twin guitar harmony with leads, gallop and groove from the rhythm section, and generally pitched, assertive, yet clean vocals. Traveler has it all.

Most every song erupts with sharp guitar riffs and leads with the pummel of drums and bracing speed. It's off to the races with such songs as Behind The Iron, Up To You, Starbreaker, and especially the rocket propelled Speed Queen. To trip you up a bit, Traveler gives you a light electric guitar and bass start to Mindless Maze before ripping into some power metal. Alternatively, Fallen Heroes dials back the gallop for more heavy steady metal. All said, while it could have been better with more new songs, Traveler's debut album is a solid and well-crafted album of traditional guitar-driven heavy metal. Easily recommended, you won't be disappointed.



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The Bottom Line

While it could have been better with more new songs, Traveler's debut album is a solid and well-crafted album of traditional guitar-driven heavy metal. Easily recommended, you won't be disappointed.

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