AIR RAID – Across The Line

From the album cover to the contents, Across The Line from Air Raid seethes with hard edge 1980’s Metal attitude. The mostly black cover features a photograph of the band in studded leather, a band logo reminiscent of Iron Maiden’s, and the title printed in a bold red retro font. The album is mixed to re-create a retro metal experience. Dual guitars dominate the mix without overpowering the vocals, bass, or drums.  There are backing vocals but aren’t mixed prominently enough to have a strong impact. More prominent backing vocals could give them an Accept like vibe and elevated the production. The guitar style and tone are comparable to Judas Priest.  The vocals, however, are not.  The vocalist has a gritty tone and can’t help himself from drawing out a vibrato on every extended note.  He has range but doesn’t often use it.

The instrumental “Entering the Zone Zero” should’ve led the album; it showcases the band’s mastery of their instruments in an exhilarating high speed romp.  Unfortunately, it’s sandwiched between the first and third songs, “Hold The Flame” and “Cold As Ice”.  While not terrible songs, the cliché lyrics and repetitive riff and chorus patterns lower the listener’s expectations.  Thankfully, the last half the album is much better.  The song writing and structures are more imaginative and engaging on songs as “Hell And Back”, “Black Dawn”, and “Raid Or Die”

Across The Line is an easy album for fans of Traditional Heavy Metal to plug into and enjoy.  Recommended for fans of the genre who want to hear new tunes mixed and played in a classic style.

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