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Blitzkrieg
“Theatre Of The Damned”
(Armageddon Music)

Aha, the return of the ‘Krieg! Centred around the living NWOBHM legend of Brian Ross, Blitzkrieg are probably the only band left who playing anything resembling the classic early 80s sound of British Heavy Metal. Armageddon have done a great job in signing up this cult band cos “Theatre Of The Damned” is excellently produced with crystal clear sound especially on giving the guitars some real crunch so you can hear the power and resonance in those riffs and chords. Brian Ross’s high-end wailing vocals are still the trademark of his band and whatever the sound quality have always shone thru, but even they are enhanced by the mix. “Theatre Of The Damned” is a superb package with 10 tracks, 2 bonus tracks including the classic ‘Blitzkrieg’ where the mix really revitalises this cult song made famous by Metallica, 2 bonus videos and 2 ipod songs. Blitzkrieg have done the right thing by sticking to their root sound but using modern elements like double bass drumming to make their style more conventional without compromising tradition. Good work chaps!

-Shan Siva

Blitzkrieg
“Sins And Greed”
(Metal Nation Records)

Blitzkrieg are the only UK band that still play what is essentially classic BRITISH heavy metal (yeah, the stuff that Priest, Saxon etc all USED to play) and are the last of the NWOBHM bands. It started to kick off again for the ‘Krieg with the release of ‘Absolute Power’ back in 2002 but with “Sins and Greed” Brian Ross has got it right where it should be. I can’t really fault anything about it and all I can do is commend it. “Sins And Greed” is an excellent HM album that has good songs (which appear to be the collaboration of the whole band), musicianship and some excellent production courtesy of Fred Purser (yes, he of Tygers of Pan Tang fame) who has created a truly heavy, pounding sound that makes songs like ‘Horror Express’ feel that an Inter City really is about to smash into your face! Blitzkrieg’s style may be a bit meat n potatoes for some but that’s how I like my HM so I can only wish Brian more power in his quest to keep the flag flying. And if he’s reading this review by chance, I hope he sticks with this line-up, cos its the best he’s ever had. Now, any chance of some UK dates.....?

-Shan Siva

Blitzkrieg
“Absolutely Live”
(Metal Nation)

Blitzkrieg are a phenomenon. Quite possibly the most underground heavy metal band of all time given that they’ve been going for 24 years, are still going - and are still playing the same style of metal (i.e. solid British steel!) today - its easy to see why they are considered by some to be living legends. “Absolutely Live” strictly speaking, is the band’s 2nd live album (although discographers should note that the band’s first live opus - the ‘Blitzed Alive’ cassette - has been long deleted) and according to Brian Ross has been long in its planning. Recorded live at some warm up gigs prior to their appearance at the Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany, it contains 16 classics from the band’s 9 album history including ‘Inferno’, ‘Armageddon’, ‘Dark City’ and of course ‘Blitzkrieg’. Ross has assembled a heavyweight line-up that not only powers but is technically capable and this is captured well doing the band’s sound justice - you’ll know this ain’t no disco!!

-Shan Siva

BLITZKRIEG
“Absolute Power”
(Edgy Records)

Heavy metal lives! Thanks to NWOBHM cult legends Blitzkrieg whose frontman Brian Ross still soldiers on after 22 years in the biz. Fuck man, this guy deserves the award for the most uncompromising metaller (he even looks same - ok, so mebbe he’s bulked up a little so his pet python doesn’t crush him!). He could’ve landed a vocal spot with a big HM act but its only ever been the ‘Krieg for him. Blitzkrieg are the last of England’s heavy metal bands from an age gone by and thats exactly what they play - British steel through and through. Ok, so other bands like Grim Reaper, Diamond Head and Jaguar, all appear to be making a comeback but these guys new material ain’t what it used to be. Blitzkrieg haven’t sold out their roots. “Absolute Power” is 12 tracks of what it sez: unapologetic raw guitar sound courtesy of Gary Nesbitt that complements Brian’s vocal style which is timeless and unique. Blitzkrieg is a testimonial to a band and its fans that there ain’t nothing in this world you can’t achieve.