Year: 2020
Total Time: 46:50
Label: 20 Buck Spin/Century Media
I have expressed my opinion about this band in the record review of their previous flawless album “Divided By Darkness”, that they are the hope of HEAVY METAL. But here this time, they really exceeded all expectations and even more so themselves! We are talking about a work that is marginally a masterpiece! I think that if it we were not amidst a global pandemic crisis, the guitarist/singer and founder of this American band named Nate Garrett along with Marcus Bryant on drums from 2017, would have elevated much faster to the bigger league. I have not heard so much inspiration and perfection in a band for a very long time. They are very capable of achieving great things as long as they keep up their hard work and are not negatively affected by the present crisis. At the moment, they so clearly state in practice that they are not to bullied by coronaviruses by releasing such a fantastic album!
Musically, the new album moves in the same paths as the previous one but it sounds fresher and like the natural “doped” sequel of “Divided By Darkness”. This time the production is better. The sound is clearer and more compact, creating a nice, “uplifting” and warm atmosphere, sometimes nostalgic and sometimes romantic – up to sexy! Listen to “I want to be called Heaven and Hell”, “Astral Levitation” and “Call me Hells Bells – Screaming From Beyond” respectively and I do not think you will disagree with me on that. Also, the vocals are improved reminding us less of OZZY and giving the personal stigma of the band. The inspiration here is endless and finally the band sounds more mature and confident than ever.
The heavy,unyielding and infallible rhythm section (listen to “Battle High”) is the protagonist once again. In addition, their influences from JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH, MERCYFUL FATE, AC/DC, THIN LIZZY to TYPE O NEGATIVE (“Reunited In The Void”) are above all obvious and harmonized with so much mastery that it can be attested that this is the secret key to their success. Tracks like “Ride Into the Light”, “Astral Levitation” and “Harmony Of The Spheres” came to stay on the charts with the best songs of the 2020 but also to mature as “enlightened in eternity” HARD ‘N’ HEAVY anthems of METAL! If you think I am excessive just listen to the album and you will remember me!
Rate: 8,5/10
Editor: Nikos Mathiopoulos
Related Link: SPIRIT ADRIFT – Official Page
