BLADE OF THE RIPPER
"Blade
of the Ripper" (Devil Doll; 2006)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Trashy, NWOBHM-influenced metal with a fist in the gutter and a head full of drugs comes to us courtesy of Kentucky’s Blade of the Ripper. This quintet, featuring a seminal member of rock acts Hookers and Nashville Pussy, plays in the old school style of metal (think denim and white hi-tops), subbing sheer raw power for glossy production on such in your face tracks as “Speak No More Lies.”
Sloppy at times but never waning from the ultimate goal to rock, the twin guitars and booming rhythm section work best when emitting a doomy vibe on cuts such as “Castle Walls/Trapped” and “Burning Black Candles.” And, while they aren’t bashful when bashing your head with the tried and true method of three chords and balls as their main weapons, it’s a safe bet to say this isn’t for you if you can’t get beyond the cult metal sounds and high camp factor of this album.
Blade of the Ripper have seemingly found the fine line between Blue Oyster Cult and Venom on this self-titled offering and, if you still own all your Maiden picture discs, these guys are worth a spin.
For more information, check out http://myspace.com/bladeoftheripper.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
