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Split Heaven - Death Rider

Label: Pure Steel
Format: CD download
Released: 2016
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 7/ 10


Fourth slab of Mexican traditional metal (occasionally verging on thrash, or just as frequently, an Americanized, 80 mid-tempo), the opening title track accelerates to 100mph without intro, just punishing speed and high pitched vocal. Yet another change of frontman, overall, the voice of newly recruited US-based, Skelator singer Jason Conde-Houston is an acquired taste. However, with a native Anglo speaker, the lyrics have become more verbose (if not any more in-depth) and the ability to handle such has seemingly afforded them the ability to write faster songs.

 

'Sacrifice' blazes, 'Battle Axe' gallops along and the Iron Maiden influenced 'Speed Of The Hawk' piss all over the mid-tempo fodder of their last effort (The Devil's Bandit). Apart from spoken word voiceover, 'Talking With The Devil' channels the late Crimson Glory singer, Midnight, especially on the warbled falsetto. Strangely, the final pair (of ten total) are sung in their native tongue, despite the closing 'Destructor' being titled in English. Back on track!

 
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