The spirit of Thin Lizzy is alive and well within the confines of this 5-song EP from Germany's Glanville, titled First Blood. Recorded in just two days, First Blood doesn't sound rushed one bit, but has a mostly 'live' sound, the material sounding nicely rehearsed and tight, chock full of plenty of tasty harmony guitar parts from Philipp Michel & Chris West, who weave around each other like vintage Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson from the classic Lizzy era. "God is Dead" is the fiery opener, a NWOBHM stomp with gruff vocals over galloping rhythms and stinging guitar, while "Dancing on Fire" contains a great hard rock hook thanks to some fine vocals courtesy of René Hofmann and more of those delightful twin guitars. "Durga the Great" brings some Iron Maiden influences into the fray, specifically the Killers album, and it delivers a wealth of headbanging fun. "Demons" slows things down a bit, a metallic, though somewhat bluesy number that hints at early Judas Priest, a trend that continues on closer "Time to Go", a slow builder of a tune that eventually gives way to some inspired twin guitar mayhem and even a cool flute solo!
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, First Blood shows a young band not afraid to show their influences and deliver some outstanding retro inspired songs that rock hard with plenty of conviction. Well done, and I'm looking forward to hearing more from them in the not too distant future!
Track Listing
1) God Is Dead 4:27
2) Dancing On Fire 4:45
3) Durga The Great 3:43
4) Demons 5:50
5) Time To Go 4:54
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