Some very solid classic sounding hard rock & heavy metal here on the debut from Florida's Folk Healer, their self-titled release harking back to the early '80s with their heavy hitting and melodic ways, the album mastered by none other than Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica, Rainbow, Pretty Maids.) The band features vocalist/guitarist Dan Pocengal , guitarist Johnnie Kaylor, drummer Jeff Thal (brother of Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal) and Eddie Rey on bass.
Featuring 11 songs, Folk Healer has plenty of variety, kicking off with the splendid hard rock of "Dragons Den", which has a wealth of steady guitar riffs complemented by Pocengal's unique, melodic vocals. Images of Iron Maiden and Fates Warning pop up in spots on tunes like "Angel", "Wishing Well", and "Release Me", moody atmosphere swirling around frantic rhythms and a wealth of chugging guitars, while the delightful "Starlight" sees the band digging into some bluesy, groove laden '70s styled heavy rock, the vocals taking on a sultry flair that works so well with the sizzling guitar licks. Thal & Rey put on a show during the intricate "Taking Over", and the cover of the David Bowie classic "The Jean Genie" is a fun, if somewhat safe take on that early '70s glam rock staple. The back end of the CD features the shred guitar attack of "The Wizards Elixir", a nice instrumental mix of progressive & NWOBHM styles, the Voivod-styled frenzy that is "Darkest Star" (a real sleeper track here with some terrific riffing and over the top vocals courtesy of Pocengal), and the album concludes with the epic, moody, and highly melodic track "Paradise", complete with soaring vocals, wonderful acoustic guitar textures, and fantastic, almost doom laden riffing. It might just be the best track on an album filled with highlights.
Based on what we have on display here, I'm guessing we will be hearing a lot more from this very talented band in the years to come. If you want to grab a hold of a great new band here in early 2020, Folk Healer is a safe bet for all you classic metal fans out there.
Track Listing
1.) Dragons Den
2.) Angel
3.) Wishing Well
4.) Strange Rain
5.) Release Me
6.) Starlight
7.)Taking Over
8.)The Jean Genie
9.) The Wizards Elixir
10.) Darkest Star
11.) Paradise
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