Xcursion

Xcursion – EP


*Written for the 9th MA reviews challenge


Quite a cool obscure little piece of early heavy metal here. There’s a focus on heavy riffing, pounding drums, and cool catchy chorus like those in the badass opening track ‘Mouthful of Steel’ (with it’s awesome song title). Given the time, it’s pretty simplistic stuff, straight up heavy metal with no real frills added to the sound. A couple of really good numbers, with the others not being useless, just a little less likely to capture the imagination. Why the hell not check this one out in my opinion, fellow 80’s metal enthusiasts?

‘Love is Blind’ sounds a bit like a sped up KISS song with heavy NWOBHM influence. It’s decent enough, with a bit of speed metal in the sound, and an extremely catchy, backup vocalled chorus belted out repeatedly during the song. This one has simplicity written all over it, but I like the cool dual vocal scream before the third (or so) chorus, which gives it an evil shade. Things slow down for ‘Can’t Take it’ – a more traditional rock song, which sounds more akin to early Motley Crue – straight up heavy metal with the female-centric subject matter. It’s okay, but doesn’t offer anything particularly special. Too many songs written with these tired themes and lyrics? Possibly, even at this early date. Basically, with songs like this, you’ll just kinda fade out and lose focus – I know I am. It’s not bad music, but won’t be shooting to the top of your list – it’s just not different or interesting enough – without sucking.

So basically, while this one’s worth a listen – if you’ve got nothing against early straight up, middle of the road heavy metal, it’s not exactly memorable stuff. Best track is the opener. You’ll probably spin it a couple of times, and then forget about it – I know I did. ‘Skull Queen’ exemplifies this perhaps the best on the album. Simplistic, repetitive, and straight-forward can all be used to describe things here. I mean really, how much effort is it gonna take you to download this album? – not a helluva lot really. A couple clicks? One second of typing? You may as well just get it then, really – just don’t expect to be blown away by things. Best track is the opener.

-DeathRiderDoom