Reviewer: M. J.

While thrash is currently undergoing a renaissance of sorts, there are several bands trying to resurrect “the good ole brand” - straight up 80s heavy metal. Lethal Saint, from Cyprus, is one such band. This group of young upstarts is unabashedly emulating the sound of that era on their self titled debut CD.

Just reading that opening paragraph, one might get excited at such a prospect especially if you are a diehard old school metal head pining for days of old.  Unfortunately, Lethal Saint do not live up to hopes or expectations. While the band tries to recreate that era’s sound and songwriting style, its efforts often fall flat. There were hundreds, even thousands of bands in the 80s releasing albums that sounded just like this one and they often languished in obscurity; rightfully so, because most were just not that good. The majority of the songs on Lethal Saint lack direction and truly memorable hooks to make the listener want to put this on for repeated plays. One of the most baffling and irritating concerns about this record is that the singer is off key half the time, making for some very uncomfortable moments. This alone, begs the question as to why anyone would want to subject themselves to listening to this album more than once. If there is one bright spot it’s that the musicianship is pretty good. Some of it, in fact, is rather impressive but most is negated when coupled with subpar songwriting. There are just too many half finished ideas riddling this release. This lack of focus begins to overshadow any glimmers of promise. Imitating 80s heavy metal is not a bad thing, but not offering an iota of originality or a bit of personality in the process is a mortal offense.

Lethal Saint’s youth is on their side as they have time to mature and grow into their own sound. A fair amount of touring would be advantageous to test new songs and sharpen their songwriting skills. With more experience under their belts there is hope that by the next time they hit the studio that the band can deliver a new record that captures the essence of the 80s while forging their own identity.

Release Date: February 9th, 2010
Label: Pitch Black Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Chains of the Devil
2.  Final Prayer
3.  Thunder Strikes
4.  Evil Inside
5.  Heavy Metal Knights
6.  You're a Sinner
7.  Night of the Sin
8.  Rock 'n' Roll Survivor
9.  Visions in the Night
10.  Midnight Warriors
11.  Wild in the Night
12.  Lethal Saint

Total playing time:  01:10:57

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Lethal Saint - Lethal Saint

April 6, 2010