Artist: Cult Of The Fox
Title: The Sea Beneath The Sand
Type: EP
Label: Self-Released

Cult Of The Fox were formed in Malmö, Sweden in 2007 and since then they have released three demos/EPs – the latest of which is The Sea Beneath The Sand which surfaced at the tail end of last year. The band are definitely and defiantly rooted in the classic heavy metal of the 1980s and they deliver their wares with an honesty and passion which is a pleasure to hear. When I’m listening to Cult Of The Fox I feel that I’m listening to music created by genuine, like-minded people who share my love of metal. Furthermore the production on this EP is gritty, real and organic which suits their style perfectly. The four songs on offer are all growers that you’ll want to revisit time and again and they all without exception have sweet, deft touches that lodge firmly in the memory. Magnus Hultman brings out the best of the stirring choruses with his strong vocals, Peter Svensson’s bass is a powerful presence throughout – particularly on ‘Letters Of Fire And Sword’ – Per Persson adds the subtleties and textures with his understated guitar work and Daniel Fritze drives everything along at a hammering pace from behind the kit. It’s a great team which since the recording of The Sea Beneath The Sand has been further strengthened by the arrival of a second guitarist, Erika Wallberg. As one song has had a mention I feel honour bound to name check the other three sterling efforts; ‘Out Of Order’ is a rousing NWOBHM styled anthem with hints of Maiden, ‘I’m Working On That’ oozes magnetic, individual character and the title track closes proceedings in fine, epic fashion with just a touch of Elixir. Cult Of The Fox are a secret worth discovering and if you head over to their website you’ll find a selection of excellent material all available for free download. Personally though I’d like to see The Sea Beneath The Sand wrapped up in a gloriously lavish gatefold vinyl package – it deserves it.

http://www.myspace.com/cultofthefox