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Blitzkrieg

    
       
       
       
     
             
Blitzkrieg are a heavy metal band from the UK founded in 1980, and were one of the earliest NWOBHM bands along with the likes of Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Iron Maiden, Satan and Venom. The band were an integral part of the heavy metal revolution, releasing eleven studio albums across a hiatus riddled four decade career - the most recent of which is the bands self titled album released in 2024...    
             
...featuring a line-up consisting of founder Brian Ross (vocals), Nick Jennison (guitar), Alan Ross (guitar), Liam Ferguson (bass) and Matthew Graham (drums). Blitzkrieg have influenced numerous bands over the years, most notably Metallica, the American thrashers covering the bands eponymous song 'Blitzkrieg' on their 'Garage Inc' compilation (released in 1998). So are the British metallers still a relevant force today - damn right they are! In recent years, it's been the old guard that have produced some of the finest albums, showing the younger generation exactly how to heavy metal - remember 2021 and 'Maidens seventeenth album 'Senjutsu', reaching number two in the album charts only to be kept off the top spot by a fucking rapper! Not bad for a band in its forties, heading for its fifties! I tell ya readers, discount the old guard at your peril, there's life in these "old dogs" yet - Blitzkrieg's new album storming into life with 'You Won't Take Me Alive'. And a glorious guitar tone that just screams "British metal" - the British metallers planting one foot firmly on the old school heavy metal monitor, the iconic NWOBHM gallop in full swing! And talk about infectious, 'You Won't Take Me Alive' immediately capturing your attention, the band hooking listeners with sensational ease!    
             
And from one head turning song to another, 'The Spider' picking up the pace to race off at a higher speed than 'You Won't Take Me Alive' - Blitzkrieg maintaining the phenomenal NWOBHM flavour. But then why wouldn't they? After all, they're a band of the eighties at a time when the NWOBHM evolution was at its peak, taking over the world with an all conquering onslaught. An onslaught that I was very much a part of, growing up as a teenager during the eighties listening to all the great pioneering bands re-shape and re-define heavy metal - and Blitzkrieg were one of them! And keeping the infectious intensity intact, the band power on with the pace changing, gear changing 'Dragon's Eye', a little o' the hustle and bustle nature of heavy metal forcing its way through! The level of head bang ability across the opening treble has been sky high, every listener around the world rocking their head back and forth - a motion that ain't gonna stop either, 'If I Told You' entering the fray with a mighty foot stomping attitude! Anthemic too, Blitzkrieg shuddering the ground as the band march on with pride, purpose and intent - the bombastic thunder oozing from 'If I Told You' emphatic yet dramatic!    
             
The band bring just a little power metal pomp to the fore, blending it with the bands traditional metal roots as 'Vertigo' surges forth with increased levels of everything - from the incredible infectiousness, to the overly catchy nature and immense head bang ability! A stunning opening treble has just become a fabulous foursome, Blitzkrieg marching on with the heavy metal hard rocker 'Above The Law', the band straddling the border wall between metal and rock to ooze a phenomenal eighties metal and rock sound - an eighties sound that bands from all around the world were delivering! And to be honest, still do! The band return the hustle and bustle nature of heavy metal to the fore via 'I Am His Voice' - the nature much stronger than heard previously, the band toughening up their sound to make it leaner and meaner! There's no shadow of a doubt 'Blitzkrieg' is a metal album, every song heard so far coming at ya from heavy metal territory, the band very much at home here!    
             
And with a more menacing aura than any other song on the album, 'The Night He Came Home (Halloween)' reflects the haunting vibes the title gives off, the band slowing the tempo and heavying things up to deliver a spine tingling, fairly chilly mid paced march! The one and a half minute 'On Olympus High', is an eerie and anticipation fuelled instrumental acting as an intro for the albums final song, the seven minute long 'Aphrodite's Kiss'. The band remain in spine tingling, chilly mode here, a majestic hymn come prayer-like swagger taking over the airways as Blitzkrieg stroll all round the lighter end of the heavy metal genre. Epic and atmospheric, 'Aphrodite's Kiss' ends the bands eleventh album in a soulful manner, the head bang ability replaced by a gentle side to side swaying motion!    
             
Overall, a highly head bang-able and infectious array of heavy metal with a tonne of old school vibes and a mighty British feel.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Metal Gods TV    
             
Review is also featured at Metal-Roos    
             
             
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