If DENIED were only a microsecond slower, they would be an 80s Hard Rock band. Be that as it may, they qualify as a Metal band. Many bands like them do, but for whatever reason, fail to embrace the word “Metal” as a working term for their music. DENIED, like JUDAS PRIEST before them, are proud to fly the steel banner. Although their album does not sound impressive upon first listen, it’s dogged attention to detail tends to grow on you. The vocals sound over the instruments, and the instruments themselves have a thin, digital crunchiness. Nevertheless, their songwriting is a world-class imitation of all the early Metal music we love; IRON MAIDEN, HELLOWEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ANVIL, etc. Twenty-five years ago, this band may very well have been written off as a cheap clone, but because the scene is what it is today, they are to be congratulated for a job well done. In today’s scene, a band doesn’t necessarily have to prove itself by playing well, but by displaying their attachment to the old days. Good stuff. www.myspace.com/denieditaly, www.apollonrecords.nl