Upon hearing the stately keyboard intro (not to mention a band name like JESTERS MOON), I kind of feared this was going to be one of those quasi-medieval power metal albums but that didn't turn out to be. JESTERS MOON are a band who combine the epic pomposity of QUEENSRŸCHE, SAVATAGE and early PRIEST with the more straight ahead riffola of SAXON and ACCEPT. Although the band members do have the capacity for it they limit the instrumental excesses (flashy leads, double bass drum antics) to the appropriate places. The basis of the songs is kept as tight as possible; driving rhythms and short,sharp riffs, without any doodling on the side. On top of all that is the voice of singer/guitarist/keyboard-player Bryce Van Patten, who kinda sounds like John Cyriss (AGENT STEEL), albeit without the really high-pitched squeals. On some of the tracks he has given himself multiple vocal parts, which creates a really eerie atmosphere.

But although good it's definitely not perfect. "Amnesia" is a groove rocker somewhat reminiscent of SOUNDGARDEN-tracks like "Mood for Trouble" or "Jesus Christ Pose", which isn't bad in itself but at 10:07 it is a bit overlong. And although Van Patten and guitarist Vido Sinn did an admirable job of producing the thing itself about halfway I'm starting to think the whole thing could use a little more depth soundwise. Hey, I'm all for the underground and DIY and all that but I can't help wondering what someone like James Guthrie (QUEENSRŸCHE, PINK FLOYD, JUDAS PRIEST) could do with this kind of material. Luckily boredom is kept at bay thanks to the 8th track "Destination Known", a great combination of epic metal balladry and "Dark Side of The Moon "/ "Wish You Were Here"-era PINK FLOYD.

All criticism aside JESTERS MOON are one of the few current bands who have captured that old heavy metal feeling perfectly. I'm not exaggerating if I say that for an old metalhead like yours truly, hearing NWOBHM-ish riffs like the ones on tracks like "No Clue" (with guest vocals from WILD DOGS' Matthew McCourt), "User" and "You're On Your Own" kind of feels like coming home (*sniff*, excuse me for getting somewhat sentimental here). And yet despite all these old ingredients they've still managed to create a sound uniquely their own. Quite an achievement. Like I said, I'm not entirely convinced yet but JESTERS MOON are definitely a band to watch, especially for people who like their metal pure.

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: http://maninblackmusic.com/jesters_moon.php

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