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Released on June 26, 2015 via Napalm Records
Canadian heavy metal warriors Unleash the Archers have slowly but steadily been making a name for themselves since their 2007 inception via the well-executed medium of hook laden traditional metal combined with entertaining music videos (See signature track ‘General Of The Dark Army’ and well time Mad Max inspired new single ‘Tonight We Ride’ for a perfect example of this). Now with a record deal with Napalm Records under their belt and a superb new album Time Stands Still in there armoury they should be well on course to step up to the next level.
After the suitably grandiose and atmospheric piano heavy intro that is ‘Northern Passage’ Unleash the Archers explode into action in a blaze of freeboard histrionics with ‘Frozen Steel’. While front woman Brittney Slayes command most attention and deservedly so with an absolutely powerhouse power metal vocal performance ranging from clean to full blown screams, the rest of the band are not to be dismissed as they expertly deal out their take on traditional/power metal with impressive flair, technique and precision, while dashes of more extreme influences are seamlessly incorporated to add punch. Essentially combine the old school metal worship of 3 Inches of Blood with the fretboard gymnastics of Children of Bodom and you won’t be too far of the mark.
As demonstrated perfectly as follow up ‘Hail of the Tide’ dives into melodic death metal with full throttle blasting, growled vocals and guitar melodies aplenty. ‘Tonight We Ride’ is full fist pumping heavy metal packed with blazing guitar leads, galloping rhythm section and gang charts backing up the very impressive power metal screams…
….But ‘Test Your Metal’ is where the band truly hit top gear as they combine all the above with an infectious cheerful buoyancy, big RIFFS and an even bigger chorus leading into ‘Crypt’, which initially slows down the pace and vocal operatics for a more dramatic narrative and although the bridge and chorus revert to type they do throw in another surprisingly effect twist of a metalcore-esque breakdown followed by an extended gang male vocal harmony segment.
Admittedly I was disappointed that ‘No More Heroes’ wasn’t a Stranglers cover but I’ll take the fact it’s a bloody good song instead! As staccato RIFFage and impressive dynamics switches mixing up the formula and the throwing in second best chorus on the album…
…the best chorus comes courtesy of ‘Dreamcrusher’, which even includes the obligatory acoustic intro. ‘Going Down Fighting’ keeps the momentum ticking along paving the way for the title track ‘Time Stands Still’ to close off in suitably epic style opening with male a cappella/barbershop vocals and just a drum beat for company, until the full band kicks in a pretty much do their best Manowar impression for the mid part of the song. The ending has the afore mentioned gang vocals re-enter the fray leading out the song to its fade out.
Unleash the Archers are a band who are obviously having the time of their lives and this enjoyment positively flows out of your speakers and is ridiculously infectious… Play LOUD and prepare to air guitar like there is no tomorrow!
