Older metalheads yearn for a time when flying V’s ruled the axe world, along with a modest supply of leather, studs, chains, plus shrieking, powerhouse vocals. Austria’s Venator live for this platform, active since 2016 yet only releasing Paradiser, their debut EP, in 2020. Dying Victims saw potential, signing the group to issue the follow-up album Echoes From the Gutter in 2022 – subsequently gigging with labelmates like Megaton Sword and Toxikull to spread their wares. Now we arrive at Psychodrome – another sterling set of material that rivals a lot of the obscure / underground artists of 1983/84 that came from UK and Scandinavian territories in terms of charisma, finesse, and that ‘it’ factor to appease a wide selection of traditional heavy metal fans.
The dazzling riffs and active, melodic runs courtesy of guitarists Anton Holzner and Leon Ehrengruber push the band into that twin hero acclaim that pushed Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Saxon into the hearts of millions. Heads will bang beyond the devil horns salutes as “Radar” and “Steal the Night” blast loudly through the airspace. The pumping bass lines from Stefan Glasner give a swinging, propulsive thump to another highlight like “Children of the Beast”, the NWOBHM main sequences a treasure to behold along with the easy to retain chorus. Most of the material fluctuates in a mid-tempo anthem template, where early Witch Cross, Heavy Load, or even W.A.S.P. during their inception just knew how to sustain a proper musical hook to verse/chorus ratio that keeps you riveted yearning to come back for another playback (or fifty).
Then you have the standout melodies from vocalist Hans Huemer. His delivery, voice, and multi-octave prowess can go from standard Blackie Lawless-ish lower charm to King Diamond/Steve Grimmett-esque falsettos within the twist of a measure – “Dynamite” a perfect example of his wide array of talent to squeeze every ounce of metal spirit into the track. Doubling his workload as a talented artist, the cover package presents more of an homage to an early 80s-era next to the blade-laden band logo – perfect for larger vinyl-level inspection.
Favorites change by the day. Currently this scribe can’t resist the sideways shuffle riff/groove main passages next to Maiden-esque circular guitar lines within “Ravening Angel” as well as the triumphant anthem “Fear the Light”. If albums like Fit For Fight, Defenders of the Faith, and See You In Hell stoke the fires of your record collection, you’d be a fool to not add Psychodrome to that list for regular rotation. Two albums in and future festival gateway status can’t be far behind.