To celebrate the 13th anniversary of High Roller Records as well as their 500th release, we have the fourth album from Chicago's very own High Spirits, titled Motivator. These guys blend old school hard rock & metal, with a healthy dose of the NWOBHM, and their latest is filled with catchy melodies, crunchy riffs, and loads of twin guitar harmonies. "Reach For the Glory" is a fun tune that is very representative of what you get from this band, with strong lead & backing vocals providing a huge sound on the chorus, dazzling dual lead guitars, and driving riffs & rhythms. Think Iron Maiden, early Def Leppard, Satan, Thin Lizzy, and a touch of Praying Mantis for an idea of where these guys are coming from. There are plenty of instantly accessible tunes here, such as "Flying High", "Do You Wanna Be Famous", the addicting "Haunted By Love", and the galloping metal frenzy of "Down the Endless Road". Some blazing lead guitar fills permeate the hard rocking "Take Me Home", and the band blasts into rampaging speed metal on the energetic closer "Thank You", recalling vintage Budgie as well as Diamond Head.
Most of the songs here fall within the 3-4 minute range, so they basically kick ass and don't overstay their welcome. Motivator is also just heavy enough, but still quite catchy and accessible, with some very fine guitar work throughout and layers of addicting vocal melodies. All in all, a very fine album indeed from a band that deserves your attention if you haven't already investigated their music.
Track Listing
01 Up and Overture
02 Flying High
03 This is the Night
04 Reach for the Glory
05 Do You Wanna be Famous
06 Haunted by Love
07 Down the Endless Road
08 Take Me Home
09 Thank You
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