Angels of Mons

There can’t really be any more appropriate name for an English heavy metal band than that of one of the country’s most famous battleground victories – a battle won against overwhelming odds, in much the same way that metal always wins through in the face of the dominance of commercialism… and, therefore, a name which sounds a rallying call to the arms of the cause if ever there was one!

Amazingly, it’s taken Midlands quartet Agincourt exactly two decades to release this, their first-full length album. Yes, the band actually trace their origins back to 1991, when they appeared on the coat-tails of the NWOBHM – but also just in time to be among the many victims of the arrival of grunge. In their brief original appearance, the band managed to record a couple of well-received EPs and a BBC session: but, has it been worth waiting 20 long years for the band to finish what they started?

For those who crave good old fashioned British heavy metal played with a no nonsense approach, conveyed through well-crafted songs and by experienced, competent musicians, then the answer most definitely is yes; for those desiring something new, innovative, progressive, then you may look elsewhere… but while remembering one thing: this is where it all came from.

Opener ‘Edge Of Paradise’ sets the scene nicely: Russ Weaver’s rollicking bass line underpinned by Paul Brookes’ solid drumming providing a platform for Paul Anderson’s sturdy guitar work, which features some pretty nifty riffs and solos (see ‘Come With Me’ and ‘Queen Of The Night’, or the Metallica-ish ‘Promised Land’, as examples), while Richard E Troy delivers his vocals with aplomb and no little panache, despite some rather inane lyrics. The album is bracketed by its two strongest songs – not that any of the eight in between are particularly weak – as closer ‘Agincourt’ would comfortably sit alongside Maiden or, more especially, Saxon have recorded in the last 20 years or so.

The major complaint would be the production, which is very bassy and muddy in places. But, that shouldn’t detract too much from what is otherwise a damn fine album: OK, it's nothing original, but it is a harkening back to a bygone era – and it makes no secret of that – and is more than enough to keep diehard old rockers keep the faith alive for another wee while… and, maybe, win them over a few younger fans!

(This review originally appeared on www.uberrock.co.uk)