Fans of traditional heavy metal, the time to rejoice is here! Pittsburgh, PA natives, Lady Beast have arrived and they have just dropped their fourth album, The Vulture’s Amulet.
Opening up the album is the aptly titled, “Metal Machine.” The moment that I pressed play, I knew that I was in for something special. Monster distorted riffs, unrelenting double bass action, and then the voice! Vocalist Deborah Levine is an absolutely phenomenal singer and commands your attention immediately. While you can most definitely hear the influences of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, what I picked up on is her sonic similarities to the late Jill Janus of Huntress (RIP).
The mayhem continues with the frantic “Runes of Rust” which comes off sounding like something from Kill ‘Em All era Metallica. Really feeling the thrash metal vibe coming from the dual guitar attack of Andy Ramage (lead) and Chris Tritschler.
The band switches things up with “The Gift” by adding an element of punk in the opening bass line and throughout the song with the background vocals. Clocking in at just over five minutes, you would never know it, because they have the proverbial pedal slammed all the way to the metal!
“Sacrifice of the Unseen” sees the band return to more of a straight forward metal sound. You can feel the power and bite in Deborah (Levine’s) voice and the guitarists are on point.
Slowing the tempo down ever so slightly is the groove heavy, “The Champion.” The spotlight focuses on that precision tight rhythm section. Absolutely stunning guitar solo passage that will have you rocking that air guitar instantly.
Bringing the album to a end in a most epic fashion is the blistering title track, “The Vulture’s Amulet.” What better way is there to draw the curtain on such an epic album? You do it with three and a half minutes of instrumental gloriousness.
The Vulture’s Amulet was first taste of this killer metal band from Pittsburgh. It most certainly will not be my last, as I will be researching their back catalog. From the moment I pressed play, it was like a huge adrenaline rush. You know that feeling you get, when you hear music that you instantly connect with. The thunder of the drums, the wizardry of the guitar, and the conviction in the vocals all blend together to make an unforgettable and priceless experience.
Rating: 9/10 Stars
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
FOLLOW LADY BEAST ONLINE
