Ancient Cross
S/T

March 2010
Released: 2009, Stormspell Records
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Luxi Lahtinen

Traditional heavy/US-power metal has always been cool in my books. That´s what this Texas-based Ancient Cross also does. The band released independently their self-titled debut album in 2006 already, which has now been released by Stormspell Records as a more pro-looking package; with a 12-page booklet with info, all lyrics, pictures and liner notes - not to forget killer artwork by Alan Lathwell.



Music. Well many of us were privileged to follow what was going on during the 80s in the metal scene. Ancient Cross is kind of a prime example of an eighties sounding metal act that has enough heaviness, hooks, catchiness and melodies in their sound. In fact, as it stated even in the label´s info kit as a description of Ancient Cross´ music, everyone can surely spot out those safe and familiar Maiden-ish guitars, some early sharp-edged Metal Church-ish moments, some early finesse of Crimson Glory, the mysteriousness of UK´s Sabbat - among other things as well. Ancient Cross have put their all hooks nicely into the water, and they are only after a big catch. And they have got 7 very good catches for their debut opus, those being of course all the 7 songs that build up the stellar content for this record. Great stuff all in all.



Ancient Cross really surprised me very positively with their much more-than-yer-average debut album. And guess who just became hungry to hear more of their stuff... ;o)