I truly wonder why SLOUGH FEG aren't a brand name in the metal world yet. Is it perhaps the name (previously they were even called THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG) combined with song titles like "Agnostic Grunt" and "Agony Slalom"? You could be mistaking them for one of those 'funny' metal acts like LAWNMOWER DETH or HATEBEAK. Thankfully the truth is that SLOUGH FEG seem to be pretty serious about their metal. In fact, if I'd have to describe their sound, and taking into consideration that there truly are genres like power metal, nu metal and even false metal, I would describe SLOUGH FEG's sound as 'proper' metal.

After a brief speed metal instrumental called "Robustus" the album starts with a song called "I Will Kill You/You Will Die", not only a brilliant title and one of the best metal songs of the year at that. What follows is a collection of great songs that because of their medieval, folky quality bring to mind MANOWAR, only SLOUGH FEG's songs are shorter and more to-the-point, and without the silly carnival antics. Add to that some early IRON MAIDEN-esque twin guitars and you've got an album every metalhead's been dreaming of for years. Two minor gripes: on the ballad "Man Out Of Time" they're really overdoing the folk thing somewhat. And Mike Scalzi's one-dimensional vocals, somewhat reminiscent of J.D. Kimball (OMEN - anyone remember them?) are of the love-it-or-hate-it kind. Personally I don't have a problem with them, but just so you know they won't appeal to everyone. Other than that I am truly in awe of this amazing record. Songs like "Agony Slalom" and the aforementioned "I Will Kill You/You Will Die" are some of the best metal I've heard in years.

If you like any of the bands mentioned and (like me) also have a soft spot for older but sadly forgotten bands like CORONER and BROCAS HELM you need this album. Period!. No buts about it! And if you're not familiar with the wonderful world of traditional heavy metal this album will serve as a nice introduction. I know I'm repeating myself here but I just can't put it any other way: "Atavism" is, simply put, brilliant!

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: www.sloughfeg.com

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: Atavism

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