Time Signature Glory to the demons...

Genre: traditional metal with power metal elements

The second full-length effort by the Portuguese metal outfit Attick Demons, "Let's Raise Hell" is released on Pure Steel Records in august.

Musically, the album is probably best described as traditional metal with power metal elements. While some classify Attick Demons primarily as a power metal band, I think they operate more at the traditional metal end of the gamut than at the power metal end. Anyway, that the end of the day, what matters is whether or not the music is good. And it's pretty good. Obviously inspired by Iron Maiden, Attick Demons utilize several traditional metal tropes to great effect, including 80s style classic metal screams and twin guitar leads. As mentioned, there are elements of power metal in their style, so the energy level is taken up a notch, and an slightly epic scope is added.

The songwriting and musicianship showcased on the album are both solid. The most striking aspect of the album is probably how much Artur Almeida's vocals sound like post-2000 Bruce Dickinson. At times, he sounds frighteningly identical to Dickinson. Some might find it lame that the vocalist seems to imitate another singer rather than finding his own voice. I must admit that I don't find it lame. I find it fascinating. Production-wise, I think the album sounds pretty good. It's not polished, but in no way rough or lo-fi.

Fans of traditional metal and US power metal should find this album a pretty good listen, and Maiden fans should also check it out. Personally, I find it an enjoyable listen.

Time Signature Meeting the Maiden...

Genre: traditional metal

These guys sound a lot like Iron Maiden. Or rather they sound a lot like they were very inspired by Iron Maiden. They use a lot of the same elements that Maiden use, like twin guitars, galloping guitars, certain chord progressions, the three-guitar attack, and so on. And then the vocalist sounds so much like Bruce Dickinson at times that it is almost scary. I mean WOW!

But I wouldn't say that they are a complete Iron Maiden knock-off. They obviously are very inspired by Maiden, but I would say that they do have their own sound, as they sprinkle their traditional metal with power metal elements, and a track like 'Meeting the Queen' even has operatic female vocals to boot.

I expect a lot of people will give Attick Demons a lot of flack and accuse them of being Maiden-clones, but, you now, I actually like what Attick Demons are doing on this album, and I like how they take a lot of those Maiden-esque things and use them and combine them with a bit of power metal into nine very energetic and catchy metal tunes.

Personally, I like this release a lot, and I would recommend it to all fans of traditional metal who do not mind listening to a band who are bold enough to take overt inspiration from Iron Maiden.