The Killing Floor

I first encountered Dendera when I attended the Camden Underworld in London for the final headline show of UK power-metallers Power Quest (very sad times). This Portsmouth quintet were the opening act, and I was not expecting much - for I had my heart set on making sure Steve William's project went out with a triumphant bang. However, my friends and I found ourselves headbanging to within an inch of our lives by the time opener "For Vengeance" came crashing to an end. They proved themselves to be a formidable live act, very friendly towards their fans-to-be, and (after purchasing their debut from the band themselves) just as dynamic on CD.

"The Killing Floor" absolutely screams Iron Maiden worship - and for a British heavy metal band, this can be no disadvantage. The galloping rhythms, dual lead-guitar melodies and soaring vocal harmonies instantly bring to mind the familiar sound of Harris & co. The high-pitched, yet rough and edgy, tones of vocalist Ashley Edison are chocked full of metal attitude, providing much of the energy this genre requires. Meanwhile, the well-constructed harmonies of the backing vocals from bassist (and Ashley's cousin or brother, if I'm not mistaken) Bradley make every chorus a winner.

This is clearly a low-budget release from a new band, so expectations regarding production quality were low. However, Dendera pull off a surprisingly well-polished and even mix, letting every instrument shine through - the drums having a particularly authoritative tone. Particular praise goes to drummer Andy Finch for his precise performance behind the kit.

There are two major factors which are key to the success of "The Killing Floor". Firstly - the album is exactly the length it needs to be. Averaging around 5:30 per song, each track carries enough substance and depth to erase the need for any pointless filler. Secondly - Dendera understand the need for accessible simplicity within the more complex song structures. There are hints of progression throughout each song, but each number truly shines when it boils down to a one memorable hook or heavy riff - (see 0:35 of "For Vengeance").

Highlights of this great debut include: The vicious riff underneath the verses of "My Mercy", which they reprise in all its glory at the end of the track. The wonderfully Maiden-esque chorus of "Senlac Hill", recounting the tales of the battles of 1066. The mid-paced, melodic stomp of "Hatechild". And finally, the entirety of closer "Till We Fall" - with a stunning chorus, fiery double-bass, and an all-round power metal feel, it's definitely the highlight of the album.

I highly recommend catching this band live if possible. They fill every performance with massive amounts of energy and always take time to have a talk with their audience (or in my case, a video-game swap!). But do yourself a favour and listen to this album. "The Killing Floor" is just the first in, what I hope will be, a bountiful discography of youthful, vibrant music from a youthful, vibrant bunch of guys. Heavy metal done the way heavy metal should.

"Rise till we fall,
These days won't last.
The chance has come and gone,
To change your past.
Rise till we fall..."