Classic, or “old school” Heavy Metal, has managed to maintain a pulse, however faint, within the Metal underground despite being, well, “old school”. They employ no modern elements at all in their music rather they carry the mantle set forth by our NWOBHM forefathers. And, as with any genre, some bands pull it off and some don’t; which brings me to Raleigh North Carolina’s own Praetorius.

Praetorius indeed do their best to carry this mantle. Galloping beats, sawing guitars & raw Heavy Metal spirit permeate Taste Death. The tones on the record are clean and gloriously rough around the edges. The solos bend, shriek, squeal and harmonize as in days of old. Lyrical themes of pillaging, drinking, and overall raging raucousness prevail. The songs themselves are pretty good and sound as if they’d go down a storm in a live setting. “Taste Death, Live Life”, “Blind At Night”, “Sin On Sin” and “Blood Wolf” are among the more standout tracks. If the band has a downfall, it’s one they share with others. On a vocal level, there is a lack of intensity in the delivery. There are no (OK, well very few) off key moments, no timing issues and the phrasing is good…he just doesn’t sell it. He does, however, sound like he’s holding back…meaning that he sounds like he has it in him…he could just stand to push a little more. I’m sure that in a live setting the intensity is cranked up a bit.

Anyway, it’s a decent debut. The band shows tons of potential to please Heavy Metal fans far and wide as time passes and more records are made. As it stands, give Taste Death a shot if you’re craving some tried and true Metal. There is head-banging-a-plenty to be found.

[Visit the band's website]

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