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Chapter II

    
       
       
       
     
             
Marquis de Sade are a heavy metal band from the UK founded by brothers Kevin (guitar) and Gary Pope (drums), emerging during the eighties right at the start of the NWOBHM evolution - an evolution that revolutionised heavy metal. This revolution was spearheaded by the likes of Angel Witch, Iron Maiden, Samson and Venom and quickly become a worldwide phenomena, Marquis de Sade making their own mark in metal history by releasing the single 'Somewhere Up In The Mountains/Black Angel' in 1981 - the line-up featuring the Pope brothers, Pete Gordelier (bass), San Remo (guitar, keyboards), and Kriss Gordelier (vocals). Sadly, the band split up soon after...    
             
...to reform an incredible forty years later! And release the bands debut album 'Chapter II' - and with three original band members too, Gary, Pete and Kriss, now joined by Giles "Doc" Holland (keyboards), and Pauly Gordelier (guitar). The new album is a mix of old and new songs, firmly rooted in the realm of traditional heavy metal but with progressive elements wonderfully woven in to 'Chapter II's framework. And with a run time of an hour, there's plenty on offer to please old and new fans alike - 'Belvedere' getting the album underway in foot stomping style, a slight hint of the doom heavy nature of Black Sabbath filling the air! That said, 'Belvedere' is more melodious than Sabbath ever were, Marquis de Sade marching outta the blocks with a definite eighties metal sound.    
             
Now as I mentioned earlier, the album contains old and new songs - I'm not here to tell you which are which, I'm just here to review the songs as they are now, how they sound and feel! The band increase the tempo and energy from the opening gambit, breaking into a gallop for 'Now I Lay Me Down', the iconic NWOBHM sound coming strongly to the fore. And why wouldn't it - Marquis de Sade are, after all a band of the eighties and were a part of the NWOBHM evolution. Adopting an eerie aura, 'Border Wall' strides on at a slower tempo, crawling forth at a measured pace, the band remaining steadfast in the old school area of the heavy metal genre - the exact area I grew up in! For I was a teenager for the duration of the eighties, growing up listening to the likes of 'Priest, 'Maiden, Motorhead and everything in-between!     
             
And in-between is where the album goes next, 'Fortress Of Solitude' bringing a touch of classic rock to the fore, Marquis de Sade mixing rock and metal with progressive leanings to deliver a mellow march of melodious (very) old school. Think back to a time when Led Zeppelin came to prominence, and that's where 'Fortress Of Solitude' fits in - the atmosphere, the aura, the goosebumps! It's all the same - the bands self titled song 'Marquis de Sade' retains the same ambience, but with a heavier, more menacing attitude! The band once again plant their feet firmly on the monitor, proceeding to gallop gently forth, echoing the instantly recognisable sound of the iconic NWOBHM - 'Marquis de Sade' oozing the strongest old school flavour heard so far.    
             
'Chapter II' has very much been an atmospheric mid tempo rumble up to this point, 'The Moons Glow' doing a complete u-turn to become the fastest song on offer - and it's the traditional metal gallop that's gonna get every metalhead everywhere rocking their head back and forth more vigorously than ever before! At times though, 'The Moons Glow' hits the brakes, taking a wide swerve around the heavy metal genre to encompass progressive leanings once more, Marquis de Sade continuing to roam around metal territory - 'Suspended Animation' bringing a tension fuelled atmosphere to the fore! The band are both a little sinister and menacing here, proceeding to meld mid and fast paced passages together with a genre hopping, border breaking eclectic mix of metal and rock.    
             
And as we enter the (albums) final furlong, the atmosphere is electric, the anticipation incredible, 'Last Survivor' breaking out into a trot - a mean and moody trot! The darker side of heavy metal rises to the surface here as Marquis de Sade continue their majestic head held high march through metal territory, the band occasionally taking in the sights and sounds of rock. The album really has been a glorious mix of metal and rock harking back to the old days during the seventies and eighties - two decades of musical evolution where everything was new, different, and very wide ranging. Bringing the album to a close, 'Living In The Ice Age' clocks in at nine and a half minutes in length making it the longest song on offer - opening with the most NWOBHM guitar riff you can imagine! Marquis de Sade are mildly aggressive here, hitting hard with more punch than any other song featured on 'Chapter II', the band maintaining their incredible waltz around, through and in-between the genres of metal and rock.    
             
Overall, a meandering romp around every corner of the heavy metal genre, 'Chapter II' also features a progressive nature and touches of rock.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Metal Gods TV    
             
             
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