‘Holy fuckin’ shit!’ Yeah, that was as profound as I could get when I first laid ears on the opening track ‘Judas Must Die’. It’s just that awesome! On their 6th full length album (first with Blistering Records and second with vocalist Patrik Johansson), Swedish metallers Lion’s Share have recorded their most blistering collection of metal tunes yet. Tunes that are guaranteed to bring a smile on the face of even the most jaded headbanger.

Though not well known in all corners of the world (yet!), it should be noted that Lion’s Share are quite a respected outfit in Europe, having gained praise from the likes of Testament, Motorhead, Nevermore, Queensryche, Saxon, Manowar and Dio. And they damn well deserve it too!

On Dark Hours, there’s no escaping Johansson’s unique powerhouse vocals, which is very reminiscent of a younger Ronnie James Dio. And axe-man Lars Chris knows how to write a memorable riff, as well as lay down a face-melting solo. The production is tight and crystal clear, thanks to the knob twiddling work of Jens Bogren (Opeth, Symphony X, Paradise Lost, Amon Amarth). The album also features guest appearances by Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo soloing on ‘Behind The Curtain‘, and drummers Conny Pettersson (from death metal act Anata) and Richard Evensand (Chimaira, Soilwork).

This is straight up no-bullshit traditional heavy metal done the way it should be done; loud, proud, fast and heavy. Speed demons like opening track ‘Judas must Die‘, ‘Full Metal Jacket‘, ‘Napalm Nights‘ and ‘Demon In Your Mind‘ are guaranteed to snap your neck and leave your feeling like you’ve been hit by a hellbound bullet train! While tracks like ‘The Presidio 27‘, ‘Barker Ranch‘, ‘Space Scam‘ and ‘Behind The Curtain‘ hit you with the subtlety of a ton of bricks. In fact, the album slows down just once on the magnificent latter day Sabbath-like tune ‘Heavy Cross to Bear‘. A right royal tribute to the diehard heart and soul of metal, Dark Hours proves once again that metal, if done right, will never go out of style. Ever! (9/10)

Recommended listening – ‘Judas Must Die’

Reviewed by Shamir Hussain

Courtesy of www.loudisland.com