Cry in the Night

This absolutely phenomenal power metal EP was released in 1988, and instantly secured a top spot in my rotation upon my acquiring it. Excellent, heavy, and raucous right the way through, I was talking about this little gem with every opportunity to every metalhead I came across for months after hearing it. Banshee is yet another awesome USPM band in the vein of Hellion, Jag Panzer and the like. This is their debut release, and the remainder of their catalogue consists of two full-lengths.

The EP’s opener, the anthemic and thundering ‘We Want You’ a a ravishing anthem showcasing some shouting vocals in the vein of a cleaner Armed Force. Lead vocals are strong, yet this isn’t the strong show you’ll be getting of them that you do in the Iron Maidenish next track, ‘Back Your Way’ another strong one with perhaps an even stronger and rougher chorus vocal. True quality. This one’s packed with screamish guitar solo action, and some strong vocal melody. The first two tracks are strongly ‘metallic’ with a slight departure being made to slower pace in the third. The fourth and fifth are excellent right the way through with ‘everything where it should be’ which pleases me as a genre fan. Banshee executes a distinct flavour of their own in particularly the 2nd and 4th and 5th tracks – definitely not ‘run of the mill’. The title track ‘Cry in the Night’ could be considered the highlight, but with strong material right the way through, it’s a little difficult to make that call.

Overall a brilliantly strong EP - better than many I’ve heard in the last year, metal and otherwise. Four very strong tracks with a distinct USPM feel that really leaves you wanting more. Production values on this one are decent, with drums and bass mixed well. This band has a great name, and plays an awesome blend of mid 80’s metal. I thoroughly enjoy both the front a rear cover art, with a ‘spray-paint’ front graphic and ‘horror’ text song titles on the rear (Not to mention the awesome title of the EP itself. ‘Cry in the Night’ has everything you want in an 80’s metal title). These really add to the flavour and enjoyment in my books.

-DeathRiderDoom