PICTURE – Wings

Picture are arguably the flagship of Dutch Heavy Metal.  Their 40 year career has earned them admiration and support.  Their new album is touted as authentic music to satisfy their fans and followers of NWOBHM, Teutonic Metal and Classic Rock.

It’s evident from the first notes that the production value is high.  The sonic landscape is uncluttered and delivered impressively clear and heavy.  Sadly, the songs don’t measure up to past works.

Mid tempo sludge songs are a recurring problematic template.  “Line Of Fire”, “Wings”, “Never Enough” and “Stroke” are forgettable amalgams of unremarkable lyrics combined with placeholder riffs lacking imagination and initiative.  However, “Never Enough”, has a distinctive chorus cadence so similar to Grand Funk Railroad’s “We’re An American Band” you’ll be singing along with “…We’re comin’ to your town, We’ll help you party it down…”

Less refined anthems tend to work better. “Is it Real” leaves no doubt the band still has the chops to deliver early era Picture. The lack of subtlety is refreshing. Propelled by a juggernaut rhythm section, the guitars keep pace with simple, locomotive riffs complementing blunt lyrics. “Blown Away” avoids any melodic window dressing and delivers a straight on Traditional Metal anthem. “No Place To Hide” is a highlight track showcasing big riffs, big drums and the strongest vocal performance. The big haymaker riffs leave plenty of space for the band to shine.

Wings doesn’t lack authenticity. It lacks sophistication and maturity one would expect from a band with such a pedigree. Long-standing fans will find bright spots but nothing to match the glory of the past.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: )

1. Line Of Life
2. Wings
3. Little Annie
4. Is It Real
5. Blown Away
6. No Place To Hide
7. Empty Room
8. Never Enough
9. Still Standing
10. Stroke

Total Playing Time: 40:17 min

LINEUP

Ronald van Prooijen – vocals
Jan Bechtum – guitars
Rinus Vreugdenhil – bass
Appie de Gelder – guitars, keyboard
Laurens “Bakkie” Bakker – drums