BLITZKRIEG – Judge Not

New Wave Of British Heavy Metal pioneers Blitzkrieg follow up 2013’s Back From Hell!  with Judge Not.  The band says it’s a continuation from where they left off five years ago except they opted for a Hansen Studios final mix. While the mixing is excellent and light years beyond the production quality of their Neat Records single Buried Alive c/w Blitzkrieg from 1981, the songs pale in comparison with those classics.

Whether mid-tempo or struggling to maintain a higher tempo, many songs display a lack of lyrical complexity, musical depth and they’re consistently too long.  Songs such as “Who Is Blind”, “Reign Of Fire”, and “All Hell Is Breaking Loose” feature a plodding lyrical cadence reminiscent of Karaoke.  The drumming and riffs are numbingly repetitive and each song drags on well over four minutes.  The vocalist’s limited range also is notable. When the vocalist attempts a King Diamond-esque punctuation during “Angels Or Demons” and “Falling Into Darkness”, the effect is forced and misplaced among the other one-dimensional deliveries.  “Forever Is A Long Time” is one of the few highlights. It’s the only complex tune with up-tempo groove-worthy riffs, melodic bridges and varied vocals. “Loud and Proud” is so full of metal clichés it’s bad in a good way.  It’s similar to Tom Jones wreaking havoc on a pop cover he has no business singing and it makes one smile.

Judge Not is not representative of the NWOBHM.  It’s an admirable production and mixing job applied to below average material.  Not recommended.

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Tracklist

1. Heretic
2. Who Is Blind
3. Forever Is A Long Time
4. Reign Of Fire
5. All Hell Is Breaking Loose
6. Angels Or Demons
7. Loud And Proud
8. Without You
9. Wide Legged And Headless
10. Falling Into Darkness
11. Judge Not Lest You Yourself Be Judged
12. School’s Out (CD bonus track)

Lineup

Brian Ross – Lead Vocals
Ken Johnson – Guitars, Keyboards
Alan Ross – Guitars, vocals in “Without You”
Huw Holding – Bass
Matt Graham – Drums