When it was announced that Blitzkrieg were releasing another album, I had to get my grubby paws on it. But before I delve into it I would like to wish Gus (guitarist) and I'm sure all of us here at Last Stop feeling the same, best wishes and I hope that he can rebuild his life and get back to normality as soon as. Gus unfortunately was caught up in the terrible floods that hit Belgium and other European countries and has suffered major damage to his recording studio and home.
War Machine follows on from 2019's release... Blind Faith but there is a difference they have upped the ante and they are sounding more and more ballsy and punk as fuck!
Chris spits the vocals out, snarling his venom-filled angst out to the unsuspecting public. Tom batters the drums into the abyss whilst Gus thrashes and plucks away on six string duties. Chris has a great tone on his bass, note to self - ask him how he achieves it and shamelessly rip it off, sorry mate!
The album is split into two parts, almost akin to the good old days of vinyl (I think I'm right in thinking that the album is to be released in vinyl format)
Part 1 - PRINCIPIUM
Six tracks make up the first segment of this CD. Blasphemer, Old School Rocker, Den Of Liars Vipers & Thieves, Believe In Yourself, Outlaw and Taking Back Control.
Six solid pieces of music, not a single drop in intensity, no flaws. Pure, blistering, honest and truthful. Den Of Liars addresses these fuckwits in charge of us, this shambolic inept government. A theme runs through this album. Don't take any shit and think for yourself, don't accept the bullshit being forced down our throat. On the last album, Blitzkrieg had a guest vocalist, JJ from Discharge. This CD features another guest, the one and only John Cooke from metal giants Napalm Death. John guests as guitar on Taking Back Control. The pace quickens for this collaboration. Foot tapping and head bopping commences. As mentioned earlier great tone on the bass, the drums take another hammering and the guitar is sublime, in kicks the solo as Tom thrashes the double bass pedals. A fitting and glorious end to Principium. If this was vinyl, I'd flick it over on the turntable but as it isn't, onto track 7.
Part 2 - FINIS
Another Six tracks to savour. Invasion (War Machine Part One), War Machine, Too Young To Die, White Lines, The Hammer (bonus track) and N.W.O.
'Incoming, incoming'. A voice over the radio can be heard. A slower number but carrying on from the previous six. The band twist and convulsed their way through the next couple of tracks before we are gifted with a cover. The Hammer, originally performed by the mighty Motorhead seems a fitting cover to do as this newer version of Blitzkrieg seem to be heavily influenced by Lemmy and Co and without referring back to my 2019 review of Blind Faith, I'm pretty certain I made that observation then. The lads nail it.... The Hammer sounds awesome! Let's be honest, Motorhead were punks with long hair! Continuing on with the metal theme, N.W.O. was written by ex Girlschool (and Blitzkrieg) guitarist - Jax Chambers. This is a fitting end to the CD... Punk/metal combined in all it's glory! Before going I have to mention White Lines. As soon as I heard the intro, I thought of the disco classic performed by Grandmaster Flash. If you ever want to hear punked up disco, check this out!
Overall, a fantastic CD. Before purchasing, both Chris and Gus told me it was better than Blind Faith and I can't disagree but what makes this album even more remarkable is that it was recorded during lockdown both in Southport and Belgium with tracks being sent back and forth I imagine via the means of the tinterweb!
Review done! I suggest you buy this, support local music otherwise we'll lose it, especially after the shit 18 months we've all been through! Venues closing etc.... No music on a dead planet! Keep it alive. Over and out!
Words: DLW, Photos: Band Media / RBY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blitzkriegpunks
Advance Records: https://advancerecords.com/product-category/blitzkrieg/
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