Formed in 2014, these German heavy/speed metallers have released one EP and two full-length albums so far, the latest being World In Chains (2020). Their style is classic heavy metal, injected with a healthy dose of speed, retaining the melodic vocals: something like a more melodic Vulture, if I have to think of a comparison. This not a coincidence at all, because drummer Gereon and guitarist Marvin also play with Vulture. The line-up is completed by Andi Heindl (guitars) and Daniel Steckenmesser (vocals, bass).
Five and a half years later, Blizzen are back with a new label, logo and album, which will be released in two weeks. The opening track Into The Abyss shows a reignited fire and power, the band sounding amazing. Along with the following song Witchhammer, the album starts with exemplary melodic speed/ heavy metal of the highest class, undeniably old-school, but not tired. Songs like Nightstalker, Reign Of Faith and Iron Rain are less speedy and more traditional heavy, still retaining the solid guitar work. I really have to praise how tight the band sounds and the production is really their best ever, which is probably due to the fact the line-up has remained intact from the beginning.
From Sadness To Anger serves as the album’s power-ballad, really well-thought and performed, with some fantastic singing by Daniel. While it is true this formula of speedy heavy metal has been tried and tested so many times before by older bands, I can’t turn away from the fact that Metalectric is an almost perfect album, presenting the genre in the best possible way. No More Room In Hell and When The City Sleeps are my personal highlights from the album – with masterful melodies and guitar harmonies, complete with kickass solos. These two tracks mostly show how much Blizzen have grown as composers throughout the last decade, with little touches and nuances here and there, showing maturity.
Massive Attack is a speedy number closing the album on a high note once again, meant to please the crowds live. In this overcrowded scene, it takes a lot to draw the attention of the potential fans, who are often lost in a sea of similarly-sounding bands, and what’s even worse lately – AI-composed albums. With Metalectric, Blizzen step up to the next level and raise their heads confidently above the majority of competition.
8,75/10
Metalectric will be out on November 21st and can be ordered from HERE
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