Frozen Tears - Slaves

In a time where we have to dig really deep to find a descent band playing pure Heavy Metal, here come “Frozen Tears” to remind us that there are bands out there who don’t play progressive or metalcore intead they honor their root paying a tribute by reproducing the sound of all the bands that most of us grew up with. Some may call them “Retro freaks”...music is evolving ...and all these crap, you know what? Sometimes it’s better to hold your ground and if this means that you should be left behind, so be it.
\r\nThe fact that they are Italians has nothing to do with their performance or their heavy metal perception so don’t expect to listen to the good old Rhapsody-like power metal here, what you will listen to is pure classic heavy metal the way it was played back in the 80’s from the Gods, meaning Iron Maiden, Saxon and Accept along with some N.W.O.B.H.M influences. Old spirit, new stuff all given through a powerful production.
\r\n“Slaves” really has everything a good album needs to be characterized as such, heavy riffing, unique melodies and inspiring solos but above all it seems to have what most of the bands are lacking in: Guts!
\r\nIn some parts the singer Alessio Taiti reminds me of Mat Barlow especially on the choruses but when he tries to reach a higher pitch he sounds a lot like Halford when he’s not performing well. Of course this doesn’t affect the album’s value in any way. To cut the long story short, “Slaves” is literally “music to my ears” while songs like “Run fast”, “Strong Enough”, the ballad-like “Blindfold Eyes” and the instrumental “Nec Plus Ultra” with the guitarist giving a fine example of “how heavy metal should be played” are songs that should not be ignored. Every open-minded individual ( the term “open-minded” is not only referring to those who listen to Progressive-whatever-style with phone-ringing melodies and electric mandolin solos) and everyone who still misses the days when heavy metal was played from the heart, should grab it. It will surely bring back memories. Hail to these guys who still keep the flag up high.
\r\n
\r\nDimitris Karantounias    \r\n