STUKA SQUADRON

Okay, in the spirit of classic 80s concerts, I want the readers of this to divide into two groups. All of those on my right - I want you to be diehard Maiden fans who are stuck in 1990 and really love 'No Prayer for the Dying'. All those on my left - you can be forward thinking music fans who realise that it's okay to respect the past, even enjoy listening to Maiden still, and maybe even borrow the best bits to update them (Metalcore, I'm looking at you). But generally, you're looking for something new. Those on my right go out and buy 'We Drink Blood'. You'll find it chock full of Maiden-esque anthems (even vocalist Fang-Begley - I'm not sure if he's related to Ed Begley - sounds remarkably like a love-child of Bruce and, whisper it, Blaze). It's solid work, very melodic, and bursting with machismo. You will adore the lyrical themes, rooted in both War and the Occult. There's an undercurrent of Germanic Power Metal here too, especially in the choruses (which, of course, is where the Germans really excel). The first two tracks do drag a little, both being in the seven-minute bracket. However, track three, with its evil (almost grunge) riffery, and shorter run-time, is more effective. There's even a little bit of double kick-drumming, which should have Nicko McBrain cowering in a corner. Twin lead guitars too play an important part in the sound of Stuka Squadron, which is appropriate considering their influences. The title track owes much to Maiden's punk upbringing as it does their progressive latter years, and has a nice driving rhythm. Those on my left can ignore this CD and go and buy a decent Iron Maiden album. They're still making them after all.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released

EP

WE DRINK BLOOD

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

26:16

RELEASE DATE:

2008

TRACK LISTING

1) Stuka Squadron
2) One-eyed God King
3) Lovecraft
4) We Drink Blood

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"The title track owes much to Maiden's punk upbringing as it does their progressive latter years, and has a nice driving rhythm."