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Cauldron: Chained To The Nite

Cauldron: Chained To The Nite

Classic Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.75/5.0

Earache Records
www.myspace.com/cauldronmetal
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 05.10.2009

There's good reason why Cauldron's 'Chained To The Nite' was first released in Europe: no American metalhead under the age of 25 (or maybe 30) would understand it. This Canadian trio plays traditional heavy metal from the NWOBM heritage with some hearty thrash and Sabbath doom elements mixed in. Think any band from that period, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, even Metallica or Megadeth among so many others, and you've found Cauldron's roots and inspiration. From their corny names to cheesy album art to predictable lyrics, this is totally old school metal, and you know what, it sounds great!

The album starts with a completely riff driven trip down memory lane on 'Young And Hungry' where a steady pace, solid chords, and a brief, but slick, solo introduces you to Cauldron. From here Cauldron brings classic metal with completely plausible nuances to the lions of yesteryear. Shades of Maiden come on 'Conjure The Mass' and 'Midnite Hour.' Nods to early thrash (and future power metal) develops on the wonderful 'Dreams Die Young.' Sabbath and the progenitors of doom/stoner metal are heard within 'The Leaven.' Even better, Cauldron visits basic melodic heavy metal with brilliant vocal arrangements on 'Chained Up In Chains' and 'Bound To The Stake.'

Cheers, fist pumps and a round of beer must go to the individual members of Cauldron. Jason Decay sells himself short with his vocals; they're a perfect fit to the music. And with drummer Chris Rites they make for any outstanding rhythm section, especially on 'Dreams Die Young,' 'Bound to the Stake,' and the awesome performance on 'Midnite Hour.' Last, but hardly least, Mr. Ian Chains on lead guitar delivers classic heavy metal solos with a slight nod to the neo-classical. It's all good!

Canada's Cauldron is steeped in the classic heavy metal that started most everything, and it's all good. Strong traditional heavy metal compositions meet equally eloquent vocal arrangements, a steady and precise rhythm section, and dynamic guitar solos. Don't dismiss history made relevant for the present. Highly recommended!

In Short

Canada's Cauldron is steeped in the classic heavy metal that started most everything, and it's all good. Strong tradition heavy metal compositions meet equally eloquent vocal arrangements, a steady and precise rhythm section, and dynamic guitar solos. Don't dismiss history made relevant for the present.

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