With a career that goes all the way back to 1978, Pagan Altar are still for the most part pretty much a cult band. Though they emerged during the height of the NWOBHM, their debut album, released independently as mostly a demo (and later re-christened Judgement of the Dead), remains an obscure gem from those years, prompting the band to reform in more recent times to now have a handful of strong releases, of which Never Quite Dead is the latest for Dying Victims Productions. Along the way, founding member and vocalist Terry Jones passed away from cancer, but his son Alan (guitar) has kept the flames alive, joined here by vocalist Brendan Radigan (Sumerlands), drummer Andy Green, and bassist Diccon Harper.
"Saints and Sinners" starts things off, and what a different song for them, so damn catchy and yet heavy at the same time. Apparently this song was being worked on by them way back in the day, and I'd say if they came out with this back in the early '80s they might have had a hit on their hands. What a chorus, blistering lead guitar, driving riffs...stellar! "Liston Church" is more of a moodier, majestic type rocker, and it's amazing how much Radigan sounds like the late Terry Jones. We have an almost medieval folk piece with "Madame M'Rache's", which leads into 'Madame M'Rache's Grave", an epic sounding track that hints at vintage Wishbone Ash in spots with its harmony guitars, outstanding drums, and just a cool vibe. It's interesting how three songs in and no real signs of the doom they are mostly known for. That all changes with "Well of Despair", a slow, ponderous, heavy, yet still melodic number, Radigan really nailing an emotional vocal. "The Dead's Last March" is a must hear for Candlemass fans, complete with heavy doom riffs and smokin' lead guitars...it's one of the highlights of the album. The brief acoustic guitar piece "Westbury Express" follows, and the album closes with the 10+ minute "Kismet", brimming with mystical acoustic guitars, yearning vocals, and then moments of epic metal featuring glorious riffs and tasty lead guitars. Magical stuff, and shows all sides of the band...the folk, the doom, and the hard rock.
Overall, Never Quite Dead is a really strong album from Pagan Altar that ultimately is a killer tribute to the late Terry Jones. With live shows on the calendar, check 'em out if they come to a venue near you.
Track Listing
1.
Saints And Sinners 04:12
2.
Liston Church 05:54
lyrics
buy track
3.
Madame M'Rachel 04:05
4.
Madame M'Rachel's Grave 04:01
5.
Well Of Despair 04:56
6.
The Dead's Last March 04:26
7.
Westbury Express 01:26
8.
Kismet 09:12
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