As much as the mainstream media try to deny the very existence of heavy metal, the scene is actually in rude health and if you need proof look no further than Wailing Banshee. After teasing us with a few singles, this quintet from the north-west finally release their debut EP in the shape of the aptly-titled Fight To Be Free. It’s a four-track affair that arrives with fists (and follicles) flying and boldly plants their flag on the metal map.
We’re at a stage in metal’s long and illustrious history where many of the established bands are starting to shuffle off this mortal coil and we need to usher in the new breed. What the world needs now is a kick ass, no-nonsense, balls-to-the-wall heavy metal band, and that’s exactly where Wailing Banshee step in. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Dio, Judas Priest and Halestorm, this quintet have a hard, yet melodic, sound that’s tailor made to fill the void left by Motörhead and the aforementioned Dio. In short, they’re a headbanger’s dream and opening shot ‘Hidden Chapters’ marks them as ones to watch. Attesting to a sense of urgency, there’s no time to waste on fancy introductions or preliminaries, just a riff that marches like an invading army and drums that boom like canon fire. It’s everything good metal should be, and when you factor in the howling vocals of Dani Louise, well, you have a slice of rock n’ roll heaven, or heavy metal purgatory (take your pick).
Wailing Banshee are kind enough to wear their influences on their collective sleeve and ‘Hit The Ground’ recalls Maiden’s ‘Man On The Edge’ and ‘Purgatory’, yet it’s more homage than any nefarious copycatting, but let’s face it; what modern metal band worth their salt hasn’t been impacted by Maiden? Likewise, guitarists Al McKenzie and Harry Darbyshire are a tag team who could rival Murray and Smith, they riff in tandem and unleash lots of neo-classical, air guitar-inducing solos, whilst the rhythm section of Richie Parkhouse (bass) and Charlie Morris (drums) lay the foundation for plenty of headbanging action.
You get the feeling that with a bigger budget and more studio time this EP could have sounded far more powerful, so hopefully someone will come along and pump some cash into this band. But for now, here’s your chance to catch future festival headliners in their infancy. Watch this space.
- Fight To Be Free is released on 7th June 2024.
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Track List:
1. Hidden Chapters
2. Hit the Ground
3. Fight to be Free
4. To Save the World
