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Blazing Rust: Armed To Exist

Heavy Metal

4.0/5.0

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Pure Steel Records
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 13.07.2017

From St. Petersburg, the hometown of Vladimir Putin, comes the heavy metal band Blazing Rust. Formed in 2014, the band quickly cut a two song demo, Blazing Rust, in 2015. The demo caught the attention of the folks at Pure Steel Records, and now Blazing Rust arrives with their first long player, Armed To Exist.

Blazing Rust

Blazing Rust's metal can best be described as retro heavy metal. Their sound is the Russian version of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM) brought thirty-some years forward. Their Facebook page suggests influences from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Tank, Motorhead, DIO, and Black Sabbath. And you'll hear those peers within this album. Essentially, Blazing Rust has the all the proper elements for the classic heavy metal formula: twin guitars for harmony and leads, a steady and sturdy rhythm section that adds some rock groove, and clean and generally melodic vocals. However, sometimes vocalist Igor Arbuzov has a raw timbre to his voice. Surprisingly, the band also writes their songs in English.

As for the songs, the majority are fast paced numbers, with Blazing Rust flirting with power metal. Hellbringer, Almighty Lord, and Dying World are good examples. While twin guitar harmony abounds, the intro to Blazing Rust and Blindfold is a fine example. Blindfold is also a good example a song with some strong rock groove. Something with a more moderate paces comes with Witch with its heavy, even doom metal like, groove. Finally, Time Of The Brave starts with light acoustic guitar over swelling drums before ripping into some "keep it true" classic heavy metal.

The conclusion is rather simple. With Armed To Exist, Blazing Rust easily interprets traditional NWoBHM for the new century with satisfying results. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With Armed To Exist, Blazing Rust easily interprets traditional NWoBHM for the new century with satisfying results. Recommended.

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