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Neptune: Northern Steel

Traditional Melodic Heavy Metal

4.0/5.0

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Melodic Passion Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.11.2020 | Released: 06.11.2020

The history of Sweden's Neptune dates to the late Seventies and early Eighties following in the lineage of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal as it also prospered in Scandinavia. But for the band, their history is one of stops and starts, personnel shifts and various demos. A compilation of said demos and some new material arrived in 2018 with Land Of The Northern on the obscure Greek label Cult Metal Classics Records. The resurrection of Neptune continues with the release of their first long-player, Northern Steel. Excepting a re-recording of Land Of Northern, the album includes all original material (as far as I can tell).

Neptune

The current sound of Neptune revisits their roots with a mixture of traditional heavy metal and melodic hard rock. Fleshing their sound a bit more, the listener can expect sharp riffs, strong guitar solos, some solid vocal harmony, a touch of keyboards here and there, and a blend of gallop and groove from the rhythm section. Fundamentally, Neptune delivers traditional, keep it true, melodic heavy metal.

Exploring the album, you'll find some steady heavy metal with Viking Stone, Ruler Of The Sea, and Fallen Nations with its fine bass and drum start. Also, the rhythm section, especially the bass, rises quite nicely within Black Rain. Razor sharp riffs and faster groove arrive with Run For Your Life and Last Man Standing with its abundant and volatile guitar lines. Perhaps something a bit different, Seriously sounds more like melodic metal rock with its upbeat groove and catchy chorus. With Land Of Northern, you have a fine melodic metal anthem with some keen choral vocal harmony and a spry, soaring guitar solo. All said, with Northern Steel, Neptune offers metal fans a journey into the resilient tradition of classic, keep it true, melodic heavy metal with entertaining results. Recommended.

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With Northern Steel, Neptune offers metal fans a journey into the resilient tradition of classic, keep it true, melodic heavy metal with entertaining results. Recommended.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]

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