VYNDYKATOR
"Heaven
Sent From Hell" (Unisound Records)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
In the (nearly) four years that I've been engrossed by my efforts to explore all the realms of heavy metal the one form that I've not taken too much stock in is the 'true metal' genre. Except for the classic and somewhat more mainstream and fan favorite bands such as Accept and Iron Maiden that I listened to often as a youngster I've largely ignored the 'true metal' genre.
Vyndykator, one of the newer 'true metal' outfits, is led by the indomitable Bob Mitchell who became famous for his efforts with Attacker and Sleepy Hollow. Vyndykator plunges headfirst into metal's history with classic metal riffs and a newfound sense of metallic spirit to add new luster to the 'true metal' genre with their debut "Heaven Sent From Hell." After a short, horror-tinged intro, Vyndykator blast into "Bloodstained Gallows" and more true metal fury ensues. Mitchell's vocals evoke the classic rough-hued style of Udo Dirkschnieder along with Rob Halford's throaty, higher-pitched versatility. The guitar solos on "Bloodstained Gallows" are enough to transport you back in time when guitarists were unashamed to play long, elaborate solos that added drama to a song rather than just seem like obtrusive ornamentation. This is a very nice introduction if I might say so myself; I began to wonder what the rest of the disc would hold in store for me.
The other tunes on "Heaven Sent From Hell" are just as good. "Tapping The Vain" shows that Vyndykator can utilize slower tempos without losing power. "Rot In The Chamber" gives the element of fright a new face - funny I should be listening to this track on Halloween 2002. The instrumental "Flight Of The Wombat" echoes Iron Maiden at their rumbling best. A cover of Judas Priest's "Deceiver" is included; this is a good choice of covers as Bob Mitchell, as I've mentioned earlier, often reminds me a bit of Rob Halford (especially during Judas Priest's early days).
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the epic "Mr. Murder" is an instant classic. "Mr. Murder" is catchy and sticks to its true metal origins, but somehow breaks new ground with elements of progressive metal and overpowering technical skills. "Mr. Murder" is one of the highlights that I've heard this year.
Vyndykator's "Heaven Sent From Hell" is reason enough for me to reconsider why I've neglected the 'true metal' genre for as long as I have.
"Heaven Sent From Hell" was produced by Vyndykator.
Vyndykator is Bob Mitchell on vocals, Rob Oriani and Bill Pena on guitars, Steve Ratchen on bass, and John Caton on drums.
"Heaven Sent From Hell" is also available on
vinyl and picture disc from Outlaw Recordings.
For more information visit http://www.geocities.com/vyndykator/.
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.
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Revised: 14 Jun 2020 15:11:00 -0400
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