Screamer: Kingmaker

Swedish metallers Screamer emerged in 2009 and are on to their fifth album of meat-and-potatoes heavy metal. Similarly to fellow countrymen Enforcer and Striker, Screamer take the early-80’s sound forged by the likes of Accept, Krokus and Screaming For Vengeance-era Judas Priest and give it a few tweaks. The title track sets the template here, a mid-paced rocker driven by a strong main riff, augmented by some melodic leads and a fairly anthemic chorus. No screaming here; Andreas Wikström has a strong voice in the mid-range and for me the lack of OTT theatrics is one of the band’s strengths. Variety isn’t, however, although the format is tweaked a bit here and there- “The Traveler� is the main instance where the band go for a more atmospheric, spacey feel, particularly in the verses, before an AOR-ish chorus kicks in. “Chasing The Rainbow� incorporates aspects of Euro power metal circa the late 90’s; like those bands, there is plenty of Iron Maiden-esque twin lead guitar work work on show.

Whilst this is an enjoyable 40 minutes, the band are, for me, missing the ‘X factor’ that marks out the best in the genre; there’s no real stand-out track, and the sound for me is a bit too clean - some more grit and, in places, energy would be welcomed. Overall though, a decent effort.

Tracklist:
1. Kingmaker
2. Rise Above
3. The Traveler
4. Hellfire
5. Chasing The Rainbow
6. Ashes And Fire
7. Burn It Down
8. Fall Of A Common Man
9. Sounds Of The Night
10. Renegade

Added: February 18th 2023
Reviewer: Tom De Val
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 385
Language: english

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