Are we in 1980 in the UK? For those of you who aren’t familiar with KERRIGAN, the German band is composed by Bruno Schotten (guitars, bass) and Jonas Weber (vocals, guitars) plus Jonathan Döring as session drummer on this first LP. Bruno and Jonas play together in LONE WANDERER – a Funeral Doom Metal band – since 2017 when Jonas joined the band, so the feeling among the two is already well seasoned. The first product by KERRIGAN was the demo “Heavy Metal 2020”, released – of course – in 2020 only digitally and independently. The boom was high so the band released two types of physical versions on vinyl and cassette – so fucking old school – on Fucking Kill Records. And so here we are, returning back to my initial question: we are not in 1980 but when listening to “Bloodmoon” it seems like. Don’t get me wrong! They are not a copy of NWOBHM bands but they take all the good things from that period and take it to a contemporary production. Since the first tracks you can immediately feel the NWOBHM vibes with reminiscences of ANGEL WITCH, JAGUAR and TYGERS OF PAN TANG. A few tracks remind me of WITCHFINDER GENERAL with doomy touches, without forgetting the Heavy Metal base – such a cool mix! The guitars dialogue as early IRON MAIDEN and is perfectly combined with solid bass parts. One or two fillers but nothing to worry about, the album flows well as we can find some very good tracks full of melody – voice and guitars seem to carry on the energy – and some more powerful tracks. Bruno and Jonas are definitely two riff masters. Choruses are well amalgamated – bring to mind DIAMOND HEAD – and Jonas Weber’s voice, in my opinion, fits very well with the riffs and the rhythm section. Returning again to my initial question, after some more listening I would definitely state that the roots are deep in the NWOBHM, but these guys were able to add some personal touches that deliver us a great debut album – indeed we have to consider the fact that this is the first LP in the band’s career, so the assumptions are all by their side. Nothing particularly innovative but I would definitely recommend this album to fans of NWOBHM and Classic Heavy Metal as these guys are definitely on a good path and hopefully will continue over the years. I’m sure we will see them headlining the Keep It True Festival in a few years. New Wave Of Teutonic Heavy Metal at its best! Make sure to check them out – their label also has some cool versions of the album: www.facebook.com/kerriganheavymetal, www.facebook.com/hrrecords