Here we have the second re-issue from Temple of Mystery of Pagan Altar's back catalog, the bands sophomore release Lords of Hypocrisy from 1983, which contains material written by the group between their formation in 1976 and up to 1983. The London based band blended occult themes with classic doom and heavy rock, easily one of the more unique acts of the NWOBHM movement but sadly never achieving the acclaim of many of their peers. The line-up for Lords of Hypocrisy was the late Terry Jones (lead vocals), Alan Jones (guitars), Trevor Protch (bass), and Mark Elliot (drums).
Lords of Hypocrisy is an excellent follow-up to their debut Judgement of the Dead, and ironically both albums needing decades after their original recording to be officially released. As with the debut, Temple of Mystery have remastered this album for multiple formats and given it the deluxe treatment it deserves. Doom fans will revel in the powerful majesty contained on songs such as "Sentinels of Hate" and "The Lords of Hypocrisy", Alan's heavy riffs and exquisite lead guitar work a thing of beauty as his brothers unique high pitched vocals soar over the top. Think classic Black Sabbath, Pentagram, Judas Priest, Rainbow, Scorpions, and Iron Maiden and you'll have a bit of an idea the kind of vintage sounds contained here. "Armageddon" clocks in at near 11-minutes of hard rock bliss, inventive riffs and blazing lead guitar flying all over the place while the intricate drumming holds everything together. The band deliver a stunning headbanger in the form of "The Aftermath", but again, the lead guitar work of Jones is so majestic and so melodic...gorgeous stuff. With "The Masquerade" the guys show off a bit of their prog-rock leanings (I detect some early Rush textures here), and closer "March of the Dead" is another blistering heavy rock gem, a sure bet to inspire plenty of headbanging and air guitar mayhem.
Lords of Hypocrisy is as good as it gets folks...Pagan Altar are one of the best bands you've likely never heard of, so run out and rectify that situation immediately!
Track Listing
01 The Lords of Hypocrisy 5:38
02 Satan's Henchmen 3:11
03 Sentinels of Hate 7:14
04 Armageddon 10:42
05 The Interlude 4:15
06 The Aftermath 5:56
07 The Masquerade 6:54
08 The Devil Came Down to Brockley 1:10
09 March of the Dead 5:30
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