Hamerex are back – and they finally have a full-length album. Not that I haven’t enjoyed their EPs, it’s just that (for me) a full album really helps to prove a band’s worth.

On “Rites of Passage” Hamerex play their brand Traditional Heavy Metal with confidence and no short supply of talent. Despite this being the band’s debut album (as far as I know – please feel free to correct me in the comments box below if I’m wrong), Hamerex aren’t new to this. They’ve been perfecting their craft for years and on this album they’ve almost reached the pinnacle. I do feel that there’s still some work to be done. In my opinion, some of the songs could do with more of a hook or something to pull you in, but on the whole this album is everything that I hoped it would be.

Alongside brand new tracks there’s also a few familiar faces – “Aftershocks of Death”, “The Headless Horseman” and “The Lycan” have all made a welcome return from “The Lycan” EP (which is fantastic, since I love that EP). The newer tracks have a lot to live up to, but they are able to stand their ground. “Stalker”, for instance, is a gritty little number that shows quite a dark side to Hamerex and I can imagine that “Hypnotise” with its… er… hypnotising rhythm would do a good job at giving you whiplash. But, as far as I’m concerned, things really come together for the title track and “To The End” – those songs make me all kinds of happy!

If you’re looking for Traditional Heavy Metal with an edge, look no further. This album should be officially released in December… so get ready to buy it… or shove it on your Xmas list… if you do that kinda thing.

Rating: 86%

Lou Yardley
Louciferspeaks.com
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