Dangerdog Music Reviews :: © 1999 - 2024 Craig S Hartranft :: All Rights Reserved
No part of this this website, including design and music reviews,
may be reproduced in any form or by any means without
the prior written permission of the publisher.
- New Music Reviews
- |
- Archives
- |
- News
- |
- Submissions
- |
- About
- |
- |
New Music Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, AOR, Alternative Rock, Alternative Metal
Recent Reviews
April 2024
- Vanden Plas: The Empyrean Equation Of The Long Lost Things
- Praying Mantis: Defiance
- King Zebra: Between The Shadows
- About Us: Take A Piece
- Blue Oyster Cult: Ghost Stories
March 2024
- Cruzh: The Jungle Revolution
- Whom Gods Destroy: Insanium
- The Prog Collective: Dark Encounters
- Lords Of Black: Mechanics Of Predacity
- Lipz: Changing The Melody
- The End Machine: The Quantum Phase
- Stargate: Escaping The Illusion
- Turbulence: Binary Dream
- Sonata Arctica: Clear Cold Beyond
- D'Luna: Monster
- Big Big Train: The Likes Of Us
- Benjamin Croft: We Are Here To Help
February 2024
- Traveler: Prequel To Madness
- Lionheart: The Grace Of A Dragonfly
- Honeymoon Suite: Alive
- Durbin: Screaming Steel
- Smoking Snakes: Danger Zone
- Revolution Saints: Against The Winds
- Striker: Ultrapower
- Show N Tell: The Ritual Has Begun
- Robert Hart: Circus Life
January 2024
- Corvus: Immortals
- Caligula's Horse: Charcoal Grace
- Grand: Second To None
- Neal Morse: The Restoration - Joseph - Part Two
- The Rods: Rattle The Cage
- Gotus: Gotus
- Metalite: Expedition One
- Cobrakill: Serpent's Kiss
- Jack Russell & Tracii Guns: Medusa
- Jim Peterik & World Stage: Roots & Shoots Vol. 1
- The Grandmaster: Black Sun
Holy Cross: Under the Flag
Holy Cross: Under the Flag
Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Pure Steel Records
www.myspace.com/holycrossmetal
Review: Craig Hartranft, 09.30.2009
I really didn't think it was possible. Hailing from France, Holy Cross neither sings in French nor extreme metal which, as in most countries, is the latest thing. Then again, except for those 'in country,' I'll bet the average international metalhead could not name more than a handful of French metal bands, significant or not. Invoking the oft forgotten inspiring ghosts of heavy metal past and dismissing current trends, Holy Cross delivers straight up, full speed classic melodic heavy metal.
Holy Cross' style on Under the Flag draws deep from the NWOBHM, but has a sometimes rougher more thrash-like edge. You hear it most in the vocals, but also in their sturdy heavy riffs. But Holy Cross also borrows from power metal making many songs like The Fortress of Asgard and King of Hill gallop along at a quick pace. Overtones of Iron Maiden are likewise heard as Holy Cross deals some fret lightning with twin guitar solos through many songs. Not forgetting tradition, Under the Flag ripe with lyrical tales of sword, sorcery, and fantasy.
Pure Steel Records has found another heavy metal gem in France's Holy Cross. Heavy riffs, an ambitious pace, and fiery twin guitars make Under The Flag a true metal headbanger's delight. Very recommended!
In Short
Pure Steel Records has found another heavy metal gem in France's Holy Cross. Heavy riffs, an ambitious pace, and fiery twin guitars make Under The Flag a true metal headbanger's delight. Very recommended!
Find A Review
Alphabetical Index
New & Notable
Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]