GRIMMSTINE – Grimmstine

Good old Grim Reaper/Onslaught/Lionsheart chestnut Steve Grimmett returns again, just a year after his last solo outing Personal Crisis. This time he does so with a new band; the British vocalist has joined forces with guitar wonder Steve Stine (Grimmstine – see?) and a rhythm section provided by Dave Johnson and one ”Hat”, of the North American Metal band Sons of Poseidon, on drums and bass respectively.

The album cover is of course symbolic: besides the UK and USA in Metal unison, which also comes across in the songs, the arm stretch to raise victory of, at times, some darn good Metal tunes present.

While variety is one thing; the general vibe here is rather that of the indecisive. For, although this partly marks a return to pure Metal for Grimmett, disappointment awaits old-scholars yearning for Grim Reaper, fun-like material. That said there’s some material to keep the interest of even hard knackered listeners of old: “Nothing But Time” is an example of competent, driving Metal, and, especially, “To Catch A Killer”, featuring Maiden-like harmony and galloping, the one song that probably shows off the vocalist’s British Metal roots to best effect here.

The modern fuzzy sound of “Supernatural” may turn purists off and further solidifies a general feeling that the band is still testing the waters in what direction to go, but for the open minded it’s still a fine splice of groove, again with hook-lines present in the vocal department. “Prisoner” further continues the heavy and slower end of the spectrum, and is amongst the finer moments of this platter, with a dark and brooding approach to boot. The more upbeat “It’s Over” sports a main melody reminiscent of the past Van Halen instrumental “Cathedral” throughout.

Some of the heavier material here showcases Grimmet’s best work in years and further proves a return to form after the man’s last solo outing that at least showed life and new found energy after the last dreadful Lionsheart Abyss release. For the next Grimmstine album, one could wish for this new band to keep the number of songs cut shorter, which means cut down on the ballads in this case. There are four of those on this release and, frankly, not very good ones overall. The likes of “You Give Me Love” would maybe work better with a Coverdale at the helm, but doesn’t stand much of a chance after the full-on, grinding, powerful assault of “911” – classic Grimmett, which is what his fans would want anyway.

It is a delight hearing Steve Grimmett belt out the Metal again that’s scattered throughout, and, taken in that light, Grimmstine should come as a bit of a relief to the vocalist’s followers, even with the overall effect still being uneven.