CLOVEN HOOF is one of those bands that have gained a place in the Heavy Metal realm. A classic that over the years has established a style followed by many. I’m not a big fan of CLOVEN HOOF myself, however, that doesn’t mean that their legacy and stature is not there. The path of the band has become a standard and their albums and career have certainly influenced the genre. This time the British came back after two years of silence with a new full-length titled “Never A Prophet In Your Own Land”, via High Roller Records, following their compromise to keep running with their music, combining their eternal galloping battle rhythms with marching songs. We can notice this on the transition from for example ‘Conquistador’ to ‘The Bigger They Are’ in which they present the typical sound. They also move from the characteristic Power Metal of some songs to the more Heavy Metal and slower. I really liked ‘Phantom Chaser’, it has a certain DIO vibe somewhere and it’s very dynamic and I believe it’s my favorite song on the album. The melodies and the guitars here, as usual, are dominant throughout the whole journey. Synths also make part of the ambient, calling to some of their old days as a CLOVEN HOOF. If I’m honest, this new album is more likely to be one of my favorites along with “Cloven Hoof”, “A Sultan’s Ransom” and “The Definitive Part One”. Technicality and musicality here is top notch and I have no complaint with the vocals done by Harry Conklin, a giant on vocals. There’s no doubt that CLOVEN HOOF is a big player and is willing to stay over the long term spinning around. Just give this new album a listen and enjoy. I enjoyed myself a lot. More information here: www.facebook.com/clovenhoof1979, www.facebook.com/hrrecords