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Lechery: Violator
Melodic Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0

www.lechery.se
www.metalheaven.net
www.myspace.com/lecheryofficial

Sweden's Lechery was formed in 2004 by Martin Bengtsson after he left Arch Enemy. The album was produced by Rickard Bengtsson (Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars) and recorded at the Sweet Spot in Halmstad. Don't expect much Arch Enemy here. Rather, you have generally melodic heavy metal with heavy overtones in vocals and rhythm. There's a certain NWOBHM feel throughout the work as well. Mr. Bengtsson's handles vocals and lead guitar; he is accompanied by Fredrik Nordstrandh (guitars, keyboards), Robert Persson (drums) and Martin Karlsson (bass). Musicianship is skillful and tight.

After several spins, I found that there is a certain stylistic content to the songs of 'Violator.' You could call this a favorable consistency or a monotonous malady depending on your perspective. Frankly, there is a dangerous similarity to the songs from beginning to end. Yet I enjoyed the consistent melodic heavy metal vibe. There are some great riffs on this album, for example on 'Rise With Me,' 'I Am The One,' and 'Attraction.' And there some catchy melodies and choruses as on 'I Am The One,' Your Fate, and 'What Burns In Their Eyes,' a song with quirky and quick movements. Other songs are worthy of attention. For instance, 'Slave Under Passion' has thunderous beginning that leads to a fasting moving pace reminiscent of Judas Priest. The guitar work is especially appealing. The concluding track 'Open Your Eyes' is as close to ballad as you're going to get on the album. It's compelling, nearly symphonic in composition. Again Bengtsson's vocals are quite speculator.

Honestly, I enjoyed this album; it took me back to the glory days of NWOBHM with the grandeur of heavy rhythms and ripping, yet controlled, guitar solos. Lechery succeeds at combining heavy metal with great melody. For a debut work, though hardly perfect, it's very impressive. I can easily recommend Lechery's 'Violator' to all fans of traditional melodic heavy metal. I hope for more in the future. Check it out!
  - Craig Hartranft

In Short

Lechery brings us great melodic heavy metal that is reminiscent of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. Strong vocals, heavy rhythms, and gripping guitar work produce enjoyable metal. Though there is a certain similarity across the whole album, there is enough inspired work to keep any metalhead happy.

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