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Steelpreacher

Steelpreacher are an incredibly fun band from the Rhineland that play classic/80’s infused metal with a distinct party anthem vibe and beer-focused lyrics. The band is not interested in interesting singles, with a catalogue consisting only of full-lengths. I’ve owned this one for about 4 or 5 years, obtaining it not long after it was released. Theres some power metal touches in the music, which is thoroughly enjoyable and an effective homage to the golden age of heavy metal. Watch out for your classic ‘metal’ focused songs which are great headbangers.

Anyway, this one kicks things of with the track ‘Eye of the Strom’ – an epic piece drenched in Omen worship that screams heavy metal imagery with lyrics of battle, triumph and bravery. A true favourite of mine, with the rough throaty German vocals being effective, particularly in the chorus which is given a thunderous tone due to some great low backups. Download this song for a taste of the band it their best – it’s probably available for free somewhere, or as a preview on last.fm

‘I’m fucking’ Metal’ is another masterpiece of metal rebelliousness and aggression. I fucking love this song and thoroughly appreciate its sentiment, which I share heartily. Your chorus revolves around the shouted slogan ‘I’m Fucking Metal’ which reaches into your chest, pulls out your heart and eats it. All your pro-metal clichés are evident, with talk of headbangin’ and living for today, as well as denim and leather. This one’s a burner, in the anthem category, but a cut above your run-of-the-mill, by-the-numbers approaches to the song-genre. Great fury is evident in the vocals of Hubinger, and sound incredibly like Omen.

‘Preachers’ is another speed-metal infused track with equal fury to any song on the album and a rugged approach evoking comparisons to Venom. The shouted slogan featuring the exceelnt gang lyric “Preachers!!!!!!” tears your face off, particularly when considering the aggression in the verse lyrics, which include:

Through hell and fire
Through blood and death
Gonna hunt you bastards down
Hunt you till your final breath
We will hunt you whimpy bastards, make pay
We´re the steel predators and we´re coming for our prey”

Are you fucking kidding me? How sick is that shit!? Great heavy metal fury, which matches anything produced in the 80’s. This ones a scorching track with the added benefit of a heartfelt guitar solo by Hubinger that adds more depth.

Beer orientated anthemism is found in ‘Boozehounds from Hell’ and ‘Metal Hangover’, while more epic subject matter is tackled in ‘Disciples of War’, ‘Wrath of the Gods’. ‘Boozehounds’ is a great, simplistic number showcasing some guitar shred talent by this band’s juggernaut frontman Hubinger as well as vocal ferocity. Some great touches of backup vocals evoke 80’s thrash and Exciter references, and give some dynamics to the track.

A great release from this surprisingly unknown German act. These guys carry on the tradition of 1980’s metal proudly, not afraid to profess their utter passion for the music and lifestyle in their tracks and lyrics. Your more serious numbers on this one are great numbers steeped in blue collar power metal most easily compared to Omen. ‘Disciples of War’ is a battle-metal track that builds some great intensity and is a tale of arson, vengeance and steel. It’s rebelliousness all-hell (and I mean Hell) with gruff vocal touches and great drums. All of you denim clad long-hairs who refuse to acknowledge anything after 1989 need to hunt down this one and get it right now. While a great homage the metal of yesteryear, Steelpreacher have a distinct sound of their own and a shit load of honest ferocity.

-DeathRiderDoom