Highly Strung

A thundering and energetic NWOBHM offering, Chateaux continue their excellent approach in this, their third full-length installment. A highly talented band, Chateaux are far too under-recognized for their ability to rip through albums worth off well-crafted, shredding rockers, and checking them out should be on the top of any traditional metal fan’s priority list.

Production values on this little number are fairly good, adding a bit more thickness and depth too the songs, and giving you an extra kick up the pants in such crucial moments as Mason’s banshee – wild vocals in the choruses of “Turn it On”. Far from the tinny sound of many earlier, and less notable NWOBHM releases.

Mason continues to deliver deathly-intense vocal work on this release, building on his earlier work with, shredding towards the great things, while of course working in the shadow of the ever-legendary Steve Grimmett (Grim Reaper). Highlights include most vocals in the aforementioned track, as well as some banshee screams placed strategically throughout the album, for example the chorus of “Midnight Star”,and "Highly Strung", although it is worthy to note that his voice, while excellent in this album, isn’t at quite the supreme peak punters may argue Grimmett was at in his release with the group. The sleazier number “Hot Touch at Midnight” showcases some great vocal work in a great sexually-driven fashion. “You’re lookin’ Good, i betcha feel alright...”

Great, but short of legendary, guitar work is evidenced on “Chase the Sun” and “Phalanx”. The former kicks off with some virtuoso work before erupting into a crunchy hard-hitting riff-er coupled with a poppy vocal attachment. All round a well-mated number sure to get the heads nodding. A welcome heightening of pace and guitar shred work mid way through keep one interested also. The latter is largely an instrumental number sitting appropriately at mid-album.

Highlights on this one include some nice virtuoso shredding smattered generously throughout, thundering anthem-ic driving numbers a-plenty, and notable tracks like “First Strike” (a very “Metal” track indeed, about Nuclear War, i believe), the title track, as well as “Turn it On” and “Midnight Star”. “Highly Strung” is an excellent fast-paced kicker with emphasis on shred lead-work and Motorhead-sounding riff-age. All-round a VERY likable album worthy of some merit, and definitely recommendable to any NWOBHM fans out there.