Stormchild

Mad Max are a damn underrated German heavy metal band that include a lot of hard rock and melodic influences in their music, but do it very well. Having reviewed three of their other classic-ear full-lengths, it was time to turn my attentions to the excellent Stormchild – a great album with a touch more heavy metal credentials than some of their other work. This album hit the streets in 1985, a year after the band solidified their new lineup and recorded the strong ‘Rollin' Thunder’, and carried through the improvements they had made with that album, from a promising, but weaker debut album in 1982. With a new guitarist in Christoph Wegmann, the band changes course ever so slightly from the last album, having at least a wee bit of comparison with Def Leppard on this one. All in all it’s a strong traditional metal record, with a display of that melodic talent that made the previous record so good.

‘Lonely is the Hunter’ is one of fuck knows how many songs with similar titles (which annoys the hell out of me), by artists like KISS, Def Leppard and many others. This one is actually quite good though, Micheal Voss delivers it through well, with a catchy memorable chorus that may have you singing along. What makes this album really cool though, are the faster paced numbers, or crunchy tunes which give the band it’s metal credentials. The title track is excellent in this regard – ‘Stormchild’ has double kick running throughout it a la Motley Crue, a bombastic, well layered vocal chorus, and some great clean guitars in addition to excellent shred-solos, and nice LA glam style racing riffs. Great guitar tone isn’t just found in this cut, but also in fellow fast-pacer ‘Run for the Night’. The softer tracks include the soft acoustic piece ‘Return of the Hunter’ which is great in a somber, soft way.

This album has it all really. It’s more metal than some of their other work – and features a great rhythm section, with wicked guitar solos. Riffs are great, with the new team of Wegmann and lead guitarist Bergmann crafting out some excellent passages. Consistency is another big one here, with it being pretty solid. Mad Max doesn’t abandon its catchiness while producing a harder album either – as could easily be the case. Things blend together nicely, ending up like something akin to Leatherwolf, with a polished, driving melodic sound that retains much guitar skill, and metal credentials. Voss continues to deliver the goods for the band and proves a wise investment – great vocals. Every song is great, with metal pounders like ‘Rollin’ the Dice’ being amongst their more badass tracks, sounding akin to fellow Krauts Gravestone. Arguably their best album.

-DeathRiderDoom