SUMERLANDS - s/t
Classic metal's resurgence has been holding steady for so long, at this point it's beyond a "wave"; it's just metal. (Isn't that refreshing?) Producer Arthur Rizk (Inquisition, Power Trip, Pissgrave) recently combined forces with renowned vocalist Phil Swanson (Hour Of 13, Vestal Claret, Nightbitch) to form Sumerlands, a denim & leather juggernaut. What sets it apart from the countless other class of '82 wannabes is the quality of the songwriting. Rizk brings a producer's knowledge of what works and what doesn't to his role as guitarist, and it shines throughout their self-titled debut album. It's not just the riffs - there are plenty and they're mostly great - but the arrangements that leave an impression on the listener. Swanson's timing in the verses on songs like "Sumerlands Haunted Forever" and "The Guardian" contribute greatly to that as well.
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"Spiral Infinite" builds on a driving Motorhead/Judas Priest rhythm with unexpected fills of synth, which pop up again on ambient instrumental closer "Sumerlands"; the added layer bridges the gap between late-Seventies Sabbath and Holy Diver/Last In Line-era Dio that the band lives in. Opener "Seal" recalls Dokken and early Motley Crue as they originally were: vital heavy metal without gimmicks. (OK, Crue had gimmicks, but there was a time they existed before devolving into self-parody.)
With all the band members' pre-existing musical obligations Sumerlands probably won't be road dogs or even record on a regular basis, but this album has enough going for it to tide fans over until the next one.
Sumerlands is available from Relapse Records now. Order HERE.
