UK’s Cloven Hoof has been around since 1979…yes you read that correctly.  Now while the band has broken up a few times, only to reform and release new material, the band has gone through many changes over the decades.

For me, their 1984 s/t debut will always be my favorite of theirs.  It was evil.  I remember my brother getting it on vinyl and for that time period the album cover and music was evil metal.  That album had an early Mercyful Fate influence and each song was better than the last.  Phenomenal.

Their other ‘80’s albums Dominator and A Sultan’s Ransom saw the band shift gears away from the dark imagery and music.  They embraced the NWOBHM/Power Metal style fully on these releases and both of these albums are incredible.  Still, for me, these three 80’s albums are the best material, from the band.  Of course with the line-up shifts, especially in the vocal department, the shift was inevitable.  The band then split.  When the band returned with their Eye of the Sun comeback album, in 2006, Lee Payne, on bass, was and still is the only original band member.  Throughout these years with the various albums released, the band has remained with the NWOBHM/Power Metal Sound.  The albums have been and still are impressive.

Heathen Cross is their ninth proper studio release, and current Jag Panzer vocalist,  Harry Conklin debuts on this album. 10 songs in 42 minutes.  After a brief instrumental, “Redeemer” erupts with soaring vocals and it’s a mid-paced metal song.  Catchy chorus and excellent guitar riffage across this song, with snappy drums and double bass action.  It’s a good song, with commercial appeal.  It’s also a pretty happy sounding song, which I am ok with.  “Do What Thou Wilt” has a bit of an evil start to it with the guitar riff taking us back to their debut album, if you can believe it.  The song is mid-paced and the album is a slight departure from their last album, Time Assassin, whereas that album upped the speed and had quite a bit of speed/thrash metal combined with higher velocity power metal.

“Darkest Before the Dawn”, captures those moments and finally gets things moving a bit faster with some nods to quicker, paced old school Iron Maiden.  Check out those opening guitar melodies to see what I am speaking of.  The song gets faster with an awesome gallop and the riffing and drumming is much more aggressive in this song.  This song has excellently crafted vocal tones combined with a terrific rhythm section.  The guitar soloing happening toward the end is excellent, as is the galloping power-thrashing attack.  Before you can catch your breath “Vendetta” rips through the speakers in pure speed/thrashing mania.  The power metal influence is never abandoned, however, this song is another highlight on this record.  Ash Baker does some cool drum rolls and the deeper vocoder vocal effects are a nice addition.

‘Frost and Fire” has a very modern-day Judas Priest edge to it, with it moving along swiftly and the song has some nice tempo shifts.  There is an atmospheric section toward the end with some great guitar soloing happening.  I also want to point out we also have keyboards across this sucker, from Chris Dando, and they are a nice addition on a variety of songs.  “The Summoning” ends the album and at six minutes is the longest song.  Beginning with a brooding opening Chris Coss and Luke Hatton ensure the listener you will remember their guitar riffs!  This is an epic power metal song.  The tempos are all over the place, with mid-paced and atmospheric moments.  There are galloping sections which are definitely headbang worthy.  Strong song to end the album.

Heathen Cross is a well-crafted album from Cloven Hoof, and at this point, they are carrying that NWOBHM/Power Metal Flag high and mighty.  I would have liked a few more galloping numbers, but aside from that this is quality metal with a punch in the production department.  If you have been a fan of Cloven Hoof, throughout the years, you will enjoy this album quite a bit.  Damn fine metal!

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments