Here we have the debut, self-titled release on Cruz del Sur Music from Finland's Mausoleum Gate, a real throwback to classic metal sounds of the '70s &' 80s. That's right boys and girls, this band looks to channel acts such as Thin Lizzy, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Scorpions, Diamond Head, Nightwing, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, all mainstays of the vintage '70s scene as well as the early '80s NWOBHM movement. Heavy riffs, the occasional keyboard swell, and histrionic vocals (including some wild passages that recall the late, great Uriah Heep vocalist David Byron). Many of the song titles and lyrics border on the cheese factor at times, but hey, this is all so well played that you can easily overlook that. "Magic of the Gypsy Queen" rocks quite hard with some tasty twin guitar harmonies, and the rampaging "Demon Droid" is a furious Uriah Heep styled heavy rocker. The epic "Lost Beyond the Sun" combines crushing, doom laden riffing with creepy Mellotron, adding an instant '70s prog feel, with it all topped off by a scorching wah-wah drenched lead guitar solo. "Mercenaries of Steel" starts off quite atmospheric before blistering Judas Priest/Saxon styled riffs come crashing into play, resulting in a fiery metal thumper that will get any NWOBHM fan banging their head in ecstasy. Lots of twisting riffs and an overall creepy vibe permeate the crunchy "There Must Be Demons", reminding of a cross between Cirith Ungol, Iron Maiden, and Mercyful Fate, and the near 12-minute title track closes things out in fine fashion, a real vintage sounding tune with a never ending supply of crisp riffs, atmospheric sections, and that ever ominous Mellotron, which seems to then bridge the gap to a blazing wah-wah guitar solo and a monstrous Hammond organ adventure, before gently settling down to gorgeous flute sounds and once again bursting forth with heavy metal riffing. Just a killer song that mixes old school metal and prog quite nicely.
On the surface, Mausoleum Gate appears to be full of cliches every step of the way, and while perhaps that might be partially true, there's no denying how much fun this CD is, and how well the band have dipped into beloved heavy sounds of yesteryear and brought them all together in a very enjoyable presentation. Great stuff, and highly recommended!
Track Listing
1) Magic of the Gypsy Queen
2) Demon Droid
3) Lost Beyond the Sun
4) Mercenaries of Steel
5) There Must Be Demons
6) Mausoleum Gate
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