Traitor’s Gate is a band that was steeped in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, they were big for a time, then disappeared before returning in the new Millenium, as the new wave saw a revival, and now they are back with their EP Only the Strong.
The first song on this five-track EP is Retribution, the guitars are heavy, the riffs are moving, filled with the drag and sludge of classic Sabbath, the vocals Sy Davies create a haunting image of a man seeking retribution desperately. Deceiver as the sound of feet walking on wood and a door opening as its intro, before moving gears into a head moving riff, the lyrics paint an image of someone coming to terms with a liar and a con artist. The clean licks that accompany part of the lyrics are brilliantly phrased. Fall from Grace starts with a good riff and solid lead intro. Andy D’urso, the guitarist for the band really shines through on this song, kicking the band into gear at the right moments. Sy Davies is on fire as well, his vocals are brilliant and fit right in with the mood of the song.
Edge of Destruction begins with an acoustic lick, with Sy singing about darkness and the fall over the Earth, the heavy riffs play in the background, building the sense of anticipation amongst the listener. The heaviness when it comes is catchy and in a swinging groove, a brilliant take on the classic soft then heavy make up. The band is in fine fettle during this song. Title track ‘Only The Strong’ States with harmonised vocals, before moving into crushing overdrive for six minutes of brutal rock and metal, a brilliant closer to the record.
The EP is a strong record, carrying quality songs and strong tones, a brilliant piece as the band prepare the release of their new album on 25th May. Only The Strong is out now!