Blitzkrieg, the on-and-off NWOBHM veterans much loved by Metallica, are back with their new self-titled album (Mighty Music). Much like AC/DC do and Motörhead, did, Blitzkrieg stick to what they know – which is classic metal of a decidedly eighties vintage that fans of Diamond Head, Judas Priest, and Saxon will know and appreciate.

From the opening salvo of “You Won’t Take Me Alive”, with it’s “Bark at the Moon” style riff and pacey, Priest-esque metal attack, you know exactly what you are going to get. Punchy metal of a vintage variety that sounds like the last 40 years has not happened – it is unchallenging and easy-to-like comfort food for the ear. Glossy modern production values stop it from sounding dated, but tracks like cheesy bundle of hooks “The Spider” and the bludgeoning riffola and towering melodrama of “I Am His Voice” are unabashedly old-school and bring to mind Saxon.

This is not new, nor is it a reinvention, but it is enjoyable. The schlocky horror vibe of “The Night He Came Home” and chugging guitar of “Dragons Eye” with its cliched, Dio tales of fearsome dragons are both over-familiar but fun. “If I Told You” covers the conspiracy theory surrounding JFK’s assassination, it plods along a bit but it is kept alive by the obligatory, widdly diddly guitar solo. “Vertigo” is wonderfully cheesy – with a chugalug rhythm, solos aplenty, dizzying lyrical content, and an undulating vocal that is firmly latched in my head.

The album closes with “On Olympus High,” a moody epic that drags on a bit too long, not unlike Iron Maiden. An album of well-produced, chunky-sounding metal that whilst predictable is enjoyably catchy, uncomplicated, and old-school.

Buy the album here:
https://www.blitzkriegband.com/

6 / 10
THOMAS THROWER