Lady Beast – Lady Beast II (Infernö Records)
Friday, 25th March 2016
On the scene since 2009, this five-piece traditional metal act Lady Beast hail from Pittsburgh, PA – the iron city known for its sports teams and hard work ethics. Lady Beast II is the group’s second effort (a self-titled EP appeared in 2012) but first full-length, featuring nine tracks that are lean, mean, and perfect for those who miss the classic 80’s heydays when bands like Dio, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest were penetrating the arenas.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the searing dual guitar harmonies and pulsating bass that make “Heavy Metal Destiny” and “Lose to Win” master class material in air simulation maneuvers – it’s the type of engagement that shows these musicians respect a lot of the classic pioneers while creating their own stamp. Straight forward hooks and thick rhythms along with the proper pulsation pounce makes these songs energetic and classy enough for incessant first to last playbacks. Vocalist Deborah Levine holds her own in fierce melodies and note sustained abilities – the charm of Dio and Dickinson rolling through the Accept-like “We Are the Witches” or the culturally Maiden-harmony driven “Heroes of Our Time”. Possible improvement could take place in some of the drumming choices (gets a tad predictable during the slower “Caged Fury” especially in the riff transitions), but that’s a minor beef on an otherwise solid set of songs.
Fantasy, mythology, history, and ‘piloting our dreams’ by ‘feeling the solos that make our heads spin’ through heavy metal, Lady Beast surely breathe for the denim and leather brigade, bringing more of the NWOBHM spirit back to the current scene a la High Spirits and Night Demon. And you can’t get more metal than the cover subject choices adorning Lady Beast II – swords, hatchets, and lightning shooting about the scene.
Currently in the studio for their next recording, you’d be wise to pick up on Lady Beast if true/traditional metal is your preferred method to unwind and entertain.
