The explosion of traditional heavy metal bands and thrash
bands over the past few years has unfortunately caused some mixed feelings.
Maybe it’s because I wasn’t around in the 80’s, but I love these new bands. I’d
rather hear something like Skull Fist than dig around for a 4th tier
band from the 80’s. It doesn’t need to be original, it just has to be solid
heavy metal, and that’s where Air Raid comes in. “Danger Ahead” features
everything you want from a band that worships the 80’s: wicked guitar
harmonies, powerful riffs, and a vocalist who isn’t afraid to scream.
This disc actually consists of two releases: the “Danger
Ahead” EP, which is all new material, and the band’s first demo. The demo
tracks are definitely enjoyable, and actually are more reminiscent of US power
metal bands like Manilla Road than the EP was; however, it’s also very clear
that the band had a lot of unrealized potential on those tracks. By contrast,
“Danger Ahead” employs a much more straightforward heavy metal sound. All five
tracks on this EP are fairly similar, ranging from mid-paced headbangers to
faster, more upbeat tracks. The standout track for me is easily “The Metal
Cult”. This song has the best lead playing on the album, and it also has a
catchy melody that repeats throughout the song. Again, I have to make a
reference to Skull Fist because the solos in “The Metal Cult” are very well
composed. Lyrically, this song doesn’t surprise you, but the music is so
fitting that it’s not a problem. Besides this track, the other extremely
memorable song is “Free At Last”, which opens with the best bass playing on the
album. When it comes down to it, none of these songs are bad, and I’m certain
that every song here will be someone’s favourite.
The musicianship on this album is
par for the course in heavy metal. The singer, Michael Rinakakis
is a talented banshee, but he also has a good natural voice that you’ll hear
when he isn’t wailing away. His voice is a little bit different on the demo, as he doesn't use his higher screams as much, but it actually makes the two releases quite distinct from each other. As mentioned, both guitar players are exceptional. I
would say that the guitar playing is what makes this style of metal so
enjoyable for me and Air Raid certainly continue that trend. The rhythm section
is solid, but probably won’t surprise you. Luckily, the bass is always audible,
so there are no issues with mixing here.
With “Danger Ahead”, Air Raid has
created an EP that displays a ton of potential. I don’t need to preach to you
anymore how the quality of this release, but what I can say is that this band
should be huge in the next few years. Any future albums will definitely compete
with bands like White Wizzard and Cauldron. If you are looking for heavy metal,
support the band and Stormspell records by buying this EP.
Make sure to check out and like Air Raid on Facebook!
Highlights:
“The
Metal Cult”
“Free At
Last”
Final
Rating:
4.2/5
or 84%
Written
by Scott