Except for
Diamond Head
, probably no other
New Wave of British Heavy Metal
band had as much of an impact on the sound made famous by
Metallica
as
Holocaust
(see the metal legends' cover of
's
"The Small Hours"
-- not featured here). In fact, only the aforementioned
and the great
Iron Maiden
could compare to
in terms of authentic, straightforward
heavy metal
intensity. Lyrically, the band didn't waste time with shag anthems a la
Def Leppard
or delve into grand historical themes like
Maiden
, they just plain rocked out --
Judas Priest
-style. The classic
"Heavy Metal Mania"
("I've got
music in my blood") and
"Smokin' Valves"
("I love to
rock
! I love to get down low") are perfect examples, stating the obvious with endearing cheesiness. But
were about big, blunt riffs, not small talk. Just witness the
Sabbath
-inspired power chords which reign supreme on the title track,
"Mavrock,"
and their masterpiece,
"Death or Glory."
The slightly looser
"Cryin' Shame"
is probably the only exception, standing out as the album's only obvious single thanks to its catchy riff. Out of print for nearly a decade,
The Nightcomers
was finally re-issued by
Edgy Records
in 2000. Remastered and packed with three excellent bonus tracks (including outstanding B-sides
"Love's Power"
and
"Only As Young As You Feel"
), it's a worthwhile treat for any serious
N.W.O.B.H.M.
fan. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia