Artist: Zuul
Album: Out Of Time
Type: EP
Label: Planet Of Metal

And yet more real heavy metal from the USA...Illinois to be precise. There seems to be a never ending supply of new traditional metal bands from the States at the moment and as well as common influences they all seem to share a mutual high standard. Züül might even be the best yet with their high energy take on the sound first patented by the likes of Blitzkrieg and Jaguar. The title track opens proceedings and immediately the bar is set frighteningly high but the band have no problem maintaining those ambitious standards as they motor through the infectious ‘Warriors’ and on into ‘Executioner’ – surely a future classic to be. Wherever you look there’s an adrenalin powered riff, a glorious Maiden-esque solo or an instantly memorable chorus. Brett Batteau’s vocals possess power and melodic capability in equal measure and behind him the guitars of Jared Mileger and Michael Butcher dog fight over the lead heavy bedrock laid down by bassist Lungoat and drummer Morgan Demling – this is one potent ensemble. These nine tales of fighter planes, molten steel and heading out to the highway are pure metal nirvana, manna from heaven for anyone who’s ever banged their head until their brain hurt. Don’t go thinking there’s anything ironic going on here or any smug knowing humour or even a poorly executed exercise in nostalgia; Züül have conjured up a fresh and exciting album of glorious heavy metal untainted by passing fads and trends. Essential listening! http://www.myspace.com/zuulcontact