Nasty by Nature

Released almost two years ago to the day is Stereo Nasty's independent full-length debut, Nasty By Nature, and if the plotting babe on the cover is any indication, these Irish lads from Kildare mean business!

Review wise, this has been stewing on the back burner far too long so it's now time to do it justice. My immediate reaction upon hearing Nasty By Nature was of the "bah humbug" variety due to its overt trebleness (the sophomore effort's, however, is superb as the instruments and vocals are all on an even keel) but upon closer inspection, my initial qualms were soon laid to the wayside - make no mistake, Stereo Nasty is here to slay as much as the artwork's sapphic antagonist.

Frontman Mick Mahon's voice is perfectly suited to this style of no frills (only kills) heavy metal from days of yore (think Grim Reaper, Jag Panzer, Annihilator, Metal Church) as well as simultaneously clear and raspy, meaning the vocals are easily understood while still dripping with venom and gore. Obvious 80s slasher flick inspirations abound, with tracks such as "Black Widow" (sorry Night Demon, SN beat you to it!), "Holy Terror", In The Blood", "Under Her Spell" and "Demon Halo". One may question the possible merits of such pedestrian titles but when it comes down to it, under the circumstances a little "camp" is "de rigueur".

Lone guitarist Adrian Foley, formerly of The 8th Day, supplies the battering riffs and congenial leads while rhythm duties are reserved for bassist Rud Holohan and drummer Fran Moran, previously with Ground Of Ruin. In other words, a well-rounded classic heavy metal line-up sure to ruffle the townsfolk, if not scare them witless. In fact, the battery steals the show on "In The Blood" thanks to Holohan's bass steering and Moran's genial drum intro. Now, I admit the tracks' overall homogeneity works slightly against the band the same way Volture's On The Edge could have benefitted from a little more variety but as far as inaugural ventures go, constitute a solid and promising effort. Bear in mind Stereo Nasty's second offering, this year's Twisting The Blade, is a vast improvement as it's much tighter and throttling, leading one to expect many hard-driving - and grisly - returns.

"Under Her Spell" is another doozy sure to make you wary of your main squeeze, if only for the night. Foley goes out on a limb here with his cool spiraling opening riff and staccato shuffling sure to lay you out flat on the floor - just don't turn your back! The solos reek of evil intent and bewitchment, (and feature some nifty finger tapping to boot) a cool feature you can expect much more of on Twisting The Blade. "The Warriors" is a fist pumping, head stomping, 80s style rocker/ anthem, denim, leather, spiked wrist band and all.

If you're looking for something laid-back but fierce without having to break out a sweat, crank a little Stereo Nasty!

"Late night, when it’s right, we’re not the only game in town.
Hold tight. We come alive. No fear. Only cowards run.
Shotgun. We hit and run. Shake the blood. Bring it on!"