bonnek NWOBHM is alive and kicking, even if it comes from the USA this time! On a first impression, this 'Nucleus' from Dawnbringer is a Motorhead clone, plain and simple. The voice is the same, the punk 'n' roll attack is the same, they even got the quality at the same level. So, why should you listen to this if you got the real thing?

Well first off, they write really catchy material and created a consistent album with no flaws or filler. I still find that a good reason to listen to any album, even if it's derivative. Secondly, they got a really cool sound, very thick, dry and rocking. Most welcome in an age of clipping and computer-tweaking. Thirdly, you can't have enough Motorhead, and - as a couple of listens will reveal - Dawnbringer are just a bit more NWOBHM then Motorhead and also include some doom influences, certainly in the second half of the record, which provides for a most welcome variation and for a good flow on this album.

I haven't heard any previous albums from this band but just by it's own right, this is a fine Metal artifact. If you don't mind the obvious retro spirit and the Motorhead and early NWOBHM worship, then you should simply bang away to this one. Favorite tracks, the thundering 'So Much for Sleep' and the doomy 'Old Wizard'.