Sign of the Jackal - The Beyond EP

Italy’s heavy metal onslaught comes across my desk through the powerful lungs of Laura Coller as she fronts Sign of the Jackal. The band’s second EP, The Beyond, offers a traditional early 80’s style that seems to be all the rage of late, and that’s okay with me…as long as it’s done correctly.

The first thing I take note of as “Hellhounds” hits my ears is that this band sounds so much like Hellbound-era Warlock it’s frightening. While Coller is nowhere near Doro Pesch caliber for vocals, her own style is quite solid and fitting for this type of metal music. She reminds me of a Betsy Bitch or a slightly less flamboyant Ann Boleyn; hell, even Metal Queen or Call of the Wild-era Lee Aaron can certainly be heard in Coller. “Heavy Metal Demons” is something that Warlock would have easily crafted back in its heyday, and while this particular genre is seeing its fair share of up-and-comers vying for attention, channeling Warlock is much more of a pleasant shock to the system that the myriad of bands calling upon Angel Witch, Iron Maiden or Judas Priest these days.

Through five fine tracks we see some classic guitar solos that are just that: solos for a song’s sake, not the guitarist’s ego. The riffs might be a bit recycled and old hat to some in my age group, but take note that Sign of the Jackal is a band to be entertained. “Heavy Metal demons” is nearly a replica of the aforementioned “Hellbound” in power chords and even vocal melody, but since this particular brand is seen less and less these days it gets a pass for just being damn good. It seems to prolific guitar work has given way to the messy speed and plasticity of the average go-to riffs already done to death. “Paganini Horror” is a great instrumental piece that is so fun in a throwback sort of way that I listened to it twice! Judas Priest is heard in here, as well as some Diamond Head, and the ending hold a nice, unexpected twist.

To be honest, for the nit-picky fan that wants absolute originality and finesse this isn’t going to be for you. But for the many legions of old-school fans and new-class students looking for that classic sound with a modern twist you’ll enjoy what Sign of the Jackal is giving away.          

Release Date: March 8, 2011
Label: Heavy Artillery Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Hellhounds
2.  Head Over Heels
3.  Heavy Metal Demons
4.  Paganini Horror
5.  Night of the Undead

Total playing time:  20:25

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Chris

March 17, 2011