The band Slough Feg, formally known as The Lord Weird Slough Feg (derived from a character in ancient Irish mythology), released their 7th album last month. This American combo is known for it's retro 70's rock with doomy influences, folky parts and NWOBHM-influences. The new record has less folk influences than the last ones, but is a bit edgier and heavier.

Starter "The Hunchback of Notre Doom" is a heavy down-tuned guitar doomy track in Pentagram/Sabbath style. Next song "Overborne" is much faster after which "Ape Uprising" starts with a "Black Betty" kind of opening riff and is more a kind of power metal song. Slough Feg is known for it's different styles played on one album. You don't have to be surprised that next song "Simian Manifesto" is a song with mixed styles known by bands such as Blue Oyster Cult, Thin Lizzy, Yes and Kiss moulded in a progressive track.

The track "Ape Outro" and the last one are more pure NWOBHM and especially in the guitar parts, at the end of the last track you hear Maiden passing by. Slough Feg is capable of writing nice songs, with a bit strange but good vocal parts. Add the good guitarwork and the variety in styles to it and you get a fine album. The only thing that could be a negative point is the old-fashioned sound, but they do that on purpose and the length of the album (just 37 minutes) is a bit short. But rather quality than just quantity.

Fans of Manilla Road, Witchfinder General and old-fashioned retro 70's rock-lovers with NWOBHM-roots can take a bite in this one.