ChaosAngel
Atavism - n. - 1. The reappearance in an individual of characteristics of some remote ancestor that have been absent in intervening generations. 2. Reversion to an earlier type. 3. A 2005 album by Slough Feg.
Atavism is the first release by San Francisco-based band Slough Feg after dropping the "Lord Weird" portion from the front of their name (a move motivated by simplicity, not a change in style or anything) and a move to Italian label Cruz del Sur (from Dragonheart). The album is an aggressive balance of chugging, bouncing riffage, searing solos, the occasional acoustic bit, and lyrics derived from Irish and Greek myths, space-based science fiction, as well as singer/guitarist Mike Scalzi's own philosophical musings, all spiced with a dash of inspiration from Irish folk and rock.
Yes, the songs are a bit ridiculous. Slough Feg as a band does not take itself too seriously, much like the great metal musicians of a bygone age.
Honestly, I am hard-pressed to find any failing on this album. It is never boring, every song unfolds organically, and in general, it just plain rocks. Five stars, and highly recommended for any fan of old-school metal.