Vantage Point: Tomb Of The Eagles

Following up their 2009 debut, Daredevil On The Shore, Edinburgh, Scotland's Vantage Point returned two years later with Tomb Of The Eagles, an altogether more mature offering and a meatier affair to boot. Where Daredevil... introduced this band in fine NWOBHM style, Tomb... walked down a similar path, if one apparently also trodden by the likes of Metallica and Anthrax; a more thrash approach in evidence, while a host of Black Album rifferama also roared into view. It's a good mix and along with vocalist Murray Graham realising that his impressive high range is all the more effective for a slightly more sparing use, this really was the beginning of VP living up to expectations.

"Perfect World" and "Stressed Out" are great examples of what Vantage Point are all about, a little tongue in cheek added to classy musicianship and a good appreciation of what makes for a cracking metal song. "Stunned" may wander too blatantly into aping Metallica, the opening riff a dead ringer for "Enter Sandman", while "Save Me" seem to over stretch Murray's otherwise excellent vocals, however when faced with the hammering floor toms and soaring vocals of "Obedience School" - another track where the sense of fun weighs well against the double kick drum assault and chugging guitars – then you know this band have what it takes. Add in the excellently titled "Shetland Driller Killer", where the guttural riff is a dirty joy and the chanted chorus irresistible, and "Refuse To Play", where a mix of tempos and vocal attacks makes for a clever and effective use of dynamics and this really is an album to get the heart racing.

The six string pairing of Liam Kane and James Mitchell, lock together tightly, never fazed as they roll out a succession of romping tracks which, at volume, hit with force and no little precision. While in terms of searing solos this duo also has the bases covered, providing a combination of histrionics and poise that many bands with far lengthier catalogues would do well to take notice of.

Production wise, as with the debut, the sound is a little "narrow" (although it is much improved), sometimes taking the edge off the guitars, while drummer Dave Cummings possibly comes off worst, the perfunctory drum sound making some of his kit clatterings sound cluttered and yet there's so much to get your teeth stuck into here that it doesn't really affect the overall impact of the album too much.

Tomb Of The Eagles was a big step up for Vantage Point and for anyone with a passing interest in NWOBHM meets Metallica, this album comes recommended. However I'd suggest that you start with Demonic Dinner Dance, which, as the band's most recent outing, really finds this bunch firing on all cylinders.

Track Listing
1. The Stranger
2. High Plains Drifter
3. Perfect World
4. Stunned
5. Refuse To Play
6. Wishing Well
7. Global Delay
8. Into The Vault
9. Tomb Of The Eagles
10. Stressed Out
11. Obedience School
12. Shetlamb, Driller Killer
13. Save Me
14. Cashin' In

Added: November 1st 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Vantage Point online
Hits: 1837
Language: english

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