With the recent demise of California hard rock/metal act Gypsyhawk comes Gygax, an odd name for what is otherwise a pretty potent band put together by vocalist/bassist Eric Harris, who now takes his love for Thin Lizzy and Deep Purple to new levels. Guitarist Bryant Throckmorton also has come over from Gypsyhawk, and joining them are guitarist Armand John Lizzy and drummer Justin Dempsey. Critical Hits contains 9 tracks of blistering, melodic hard rock with more than a healthy nod to some of the classic sounds of the 1970s.
As with the material from Gypsyhawk, Gygax rely heavily on the vintage twin guitar sound of Thin Lizzy and Wishbone Ash, with tunes like "Draw Breath", "World Breaker" and "Lesser Magick" containing no shortage of weaving, swirling lead guitars from both axemen, coupled with catchy, groove laden hooks, making each a memorable hard rock anthem. "The Rope of Shadow" rocks hard with some killer riffs, and the bluesy "Chain Lightning" recalls Machine Head era Deep Purple with its inclusion of tasty Hammond organ and sizzling guitar work. Purple, as well as Uriah Heep, come to mind on the somewhat proggy and epic "Demons", while the gruff vocals and delicious twin guitars of "Liliana" will instantly bring to mind the team of Phil Lynott, Brian Robertson, and Scott Gorham. In fact, the closer "The Hunter's Heart" could have been a long lost jam between Lizzy & Purple, and included as a bonus track on Jailbreak, with tasty harmony guitars,Hammond organ, and memorable melodies dancing around each other in wonderful fashion.
Critical Hits is a hell of a lot of fun, and if you love the vintage hard rock sounds of the '70s and early '80s, this is a can't miss album. Remember the name Gygax, as you are going to be hearing their name a lot in the months and years ahead!
Track Listing
- Lesser Magick
- World Breaker
- Draw Breath
- The Rope of Shadow
- Dirge For A Deposed Duke
- Chain Lightning
- Demons
- Liliana
- The Hunter's Heart
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