Born out of the desire to pay homage to heavy rock / metal like artists in the 70s and 80s, Swiss act Amethyst started in 2020, taking a couple of years to gather together the current quintet lineup. The debut EP Rock Knights soon followed, allowing the band to finally play some shows including festival appearances across Sweden, Germany, and their home country. Setting about the task to write more material, Throw Down the Gauntlet is the fruits of that labor, an eight-song album that contains all the requisite power, stop/start hooks, catchy vocal prowess, and endearing qualities that go down a storm with those proto-metal, NWOBHM-oriented followers.
The twin guitar action of Ramon S. and Yves B. aligns with the best tandems of this style – most will think Tipton/Downing, Gorham/Robertson, or Murray/ Smith when checking out the vibrant rhythms, exhilarating back and forth lead breaks, or occasional dual harmony runs. Evident in spades right away for “Embers On the Loose”, you can hear aspects of southern rock like Molly Hatchet sitting next to early Def Leppard, Saxon, or Iron Maiden as far as the passion, songwriting construction, and intuitive transitional measures. Fluid, open groove rhythm section play from bassist Miguel S. and drummer Eldo provides vitality beyond its versatility in an uplifting cut like “Stand Up and Fight” – allowing vocalist Fredric G. ample room to soar in his majestic mid-range / bard-like ways. Progressive instrumental interplay remains a paramount component next to the ear-pleasing main hooks during the verse / chorus passages – check out “Running Out of Time” for that American boogie meets European sophistication that should get everyone bouncing in the aisles. Self-produced by Eldo ensures a classic template sound, very organic where everyone gets a favorable place in the mix as if the record could have come out between 1978-1981.
If you love early Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy songs such as “Massacre” or “Emerald”, or any of those offshoots, Amethyst is a must buy purchase on Throw Down the Gauntlet. The galloping nature of the bass/guitar activities for “Take Me Away” alone are worth the price of admission, and you’ll develop a keen interest in rediscovering what the origins of classic heavy metal are all about.