Certif1ed
Wild Magick?
2 pieces which at best can be described as interesting and one monster killer epic make up this debut EP from Mithrandir, which is generally held in awe by those who know about it. For sure, that must be because of the final piece, "Call of The Wild", because the other two songs aren't anything to go crazy about.
Eyes of Madness suffers in general synchronisation and weak drumming, but the vocals, recalling Burke Shelley or perhaps Geddy Lee, lend an exciting ambience. The guitar tones are intriguing too - not overtly heavy, and decidedly wispy in the guitar solo, recalling 1960s psychedelia. The piece has good overall pathos, despite the execution.
Pretty much can be said for the more uptempo song All The Time Nonstop - the vocals are easily the most impressive aspect, until it ends, at which time you realise that you've been listening to something quite special, in a kind of DIY way. There are more than nods and winks to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton alongside the more standard NWoBHM riffing, and again, the song's structuring makes it feel very short.
Call of The Wild wraps up the EP, and again, I'm reminded heavily of Budgie.
The late 1960/early 1970s vibe is strongest in this piece, which is also the most interesting, with plenty of drama. The big, heavy, doomy riffs are all that remind you that you're listening to something from the early 1980s, and very different to standard NWoBHM fayre. Its epic 6:45 duration assists greatly in this, and the structing borders on Progressive Rock. Interestingly, the band are a good deal tighter and seem more comfortable with this more complex style than the simpler pieces that precede it.
If you're a fan of the more off-the-wall hard rock, especially in the older style, then this is a must for "Call of the Wild" alone, which gains the EP the extra star and a half. Otherwise, collectors only.