Year: 2020
Total Time: 19:14
Label: Self-Financed

I have stated plenty of times that, in addition to good coffee, ball, samba and ethereal curved beings, Brazil also produces quality metal. A great example of this are without any doubt the flag-bearers SEPULTURA and SARCOFAGO, while the above ascertainment is confirmed by another band, HELLWAY TRAIN. In the wake of the NWOBHM revival (not that it really died), this five-member band was formed in 2010 and, besides their new EP, they have also released “Breaking The Cage” EP in 2015, something that does not characterize them as the most productive band.

Nevertheless, “Lockdown Reborn” is a pleasant surprise. It immediately stands out for the logo, the cover with the urban dystopian landscape, its current title, but mainly for the music it contains. It includes (in almost twenty minutes) fast, hot well-played metal full of sharp riffs, a solid rhythm section and also the amazing vocals of the soul of the company, which goes by the name Mark Hellway, thus making the noticeable difference. His range is so characteristic in fact, that they immediately refer to “Metal God” Rob Halford.

Overall, the new effort of the Brazilians is a good foretaste / sign of what is to follow and I think that they will occupy us a lot in the future if they continue like this. “Lockdown Reborn” is especially suitable for JUDAS PRIEST fans, who will surely listen to it with  increased interest, but it is also recommended for those who have generally missed the awesome atmosphere of “Painkiller” and the glory days of their celebrated past and want to hear something in a similar style.

Rating : 6,5/10
Editor: Nikos Mathiopoulos
Related Link: HELLWAY TRAIN – Facebook Page