ARTCH – another return – CD

Heavy Metal – Hammerheart Records

An absolute Power Metal classic now remastered for an ultimate Metal experience! Another Return was a very promising debut. Artch were a little heavier than your stock NWOBHM worship band, but clearly the roots of their sound all lay within that field, and you could probably develop a crush on this if you’re a fan of Dio’s original two Sabbath records, the heavier side of Saxon, or Iron Maiden circa 1980-1984. Judging on the strength of this effort alone, the band should have exploded in their country! This is Heavy/Power metal with some trashiness thrown in for good measure and with a similar level of aggression to a band like Metal Church. Another Return is a classic, metal influenced album with nice lyrics that are sung very well, memorable riffs, a nice drum beat and the occasional bass fill. The mighty Icelander, Eric Hawk reminds some of Ronnie James Dio and he does write some very excellent melodies. His vocals make the band really worth your time. The guitars are massive on Another Return, and the drums crash like a stormed wreck against a treacherous rocky landmass. The songwriting throughout most of the album is impeccable, with an excellent course plotted through mid-paced to slower, emotional tracks, and one moody power ballad. ‘Another Return to Church Hill’, the title track has a very memorable riff and some interesting lyrics to it. ‘Loaded’ on the other hand has great vocals plus a nice, catchy riff and ‘Where I Go’, the ballad of this album is a true masterpiece! Picking favorites on this album is hard because all songs are great!