LADY BEAST
Lady Beast
(Infernö Records)
32:38min

I need my fix of traditional Heavy Metal once in a while, and when I get that urge I often seek my collection of old and dusty records, as there haven’t been that many releases the last 15 years that have lasted the test of time and continues to be interesting and rocking. Though once in a while a new band comes by and gives a taste of what could be a lasting record, and when the album is released by the French label Infernö Records, you almost always know that an old school attack will hit you straight between the eyes and make your feet tap. This is the CD version of LADY BEAST’s self-released vinyl release from 2012, with an extra treat in form of a JUDAS PRIEST cover. This release of LADY BEAST’s debut EP, is such a record that might get stuck or might fade into oblivion, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania quintet do deliver their Heavy Metal in a clear cut and traditional fashion, but they do it good. The riffs are classic, but well crafted and delivered, and very catchy guitarwork, with some nice hooks and melodies incorporated. The rhythm section does also deliver with some heavy basslines and vivid drumming. The highlight though, is the vocals. Deborah Levine is a beast, a lady beast, one might say. She has a nice range and hits most spot on, sheer power and fitting phrasings, and a quite melodic flair to it as well. As a band, LADY BEAST is still a young entity, and with some further work on the songwriting and the natural progression, the first full length from the guys and lady, should turn up as enticing and rocking as this first snippet of Heavy Metal, classic American Heavy Metal with an epic touch when it’s best! Just listen to the bonustrack on this release, a well done delivery of PRIEST’s ‘Ram It Down’. Enter the symphony of terror: http://ladybeast.bandcamp.com, www.facebook.com/pages/lady-beast-heavy-metal/179141995430791, www.inferno-records.net

Anders Peter Jørgensen

Anders Peter Jørgensen

LADY BEAST
Lady Beast
(Infernö Records)
32:50min

When I saw the chance to review a band called LADY BEAST, with song titles like ‘Metal Rules’, ‘Hot Pursuit’ and ‘Go For The Bait’, I was like, "faaak yeah!" You see, I’m a big fan of the first BULLET LP, as well as (bonehead) lyrics from songs like ‘The Gods Made Heavy Metal’ and LADY BEAST seem to revel in those traditional elements. As implied by this band’s monicker, these Americans are fronted by a female – Deborah Levine. To their favor, Ms. Levine has a nice smokey tone – none of that angelic crap that plagues the candyass Goth Metal scene. I would place her voice somewhere near Doro Pesch, or the likes. Musically, the band is straightforward Heavy Metal, rocking in a stomping fashion, with few technical flourishes. By way of comparison, think the records of HALFORD. Speaking of Mister Halford, LADY BEAST finishes of this recording with a cover of JUDAS PRIEST’s ‘Ram It Down’. The cover is not bad – I give LADY BEAST credit for having the balls to attempt to match a song with so many wizardly solos and careening high vocals. As a side note, I was thankful the band rocked all the way through without the need for any WHITE LION moments (i.e. ballads). While LADY BEAST isn’t at the earth-shattering stage yet, the band can be proud of a solid first effort. Check ’em out at www.facebook.com/pages/lady-beast-heavy-metal/179141995430791, www.inferno-records.net

Dick Osmond

Dick Osmond

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