The first
incarnation of Spartan Warrior saw the light of day 3 decades ago from within a
phenomenon that became known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. While
surfing that wave, the band managed to release 2 albums which failed to
promulgate their career and in fact they soon disbanded.
Now, 25 years
after their previous release, Spartan Warrior release their 3rd
full-length: "Behind Closed Eyes". The music ranges from poppyish Metal to more
hard-hitting tunes with a few great riffs and a lead vocalist uncannily sounding
like Ozzy.
It's immediately
clear that the 1980's spirit of unpretentious Metal is ever so present in
"Behind Closed Eyes" as it was in Spartan Warrior's incarnation of yesteryear.
However, to be honest, there's little more than that. Don't get me wrong, there
are a couple of excellent tracks here (namely 'Loud 'n' Proud' and 'Last Man
Standing') but I feel "Behind Closed Eyes" lacks an edge that would make you
want to go back to it time and again.
At the same time
if, like me, you're keen on the no-strings-attached 1980s genre of British
Melodic Metal, then "Behind Closed Eyes" is one release you're bound to
appreciate. Now wouldn't it would be interesting to see the band prove their
mettle (or otherwise) in a 'live' setting...
