Artist: Lechery
   Title: Violator
   Label: Metal Heaven

Lechery was formed by Martin Bengtsson, guitar/vocals (Arch Enemy, Armegeddon) in 2004, recruiting Fredrik Nordstrandh, guitar/keyboards, Robert Persson, drums and Martin Karlsson on bass.  Four members with widespread influences that help create the Lechery sound, big guitar riffs, melodies and solid bass/drum rythmn. 

The songs Lechery have come up with may not be original but what we have on this cd is classic heavy metal with big choruses and a great sound.  This is courtesy of producer Rickard Bengtsson who has previously worked with Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars and Armegeddon.

Kicking off with 'Rise With Me', a song that justs rocks and has a wonderful anthemic and melodic chorus. Bringing back memories of the halcyon days of the NWOBHM, but with a better production and quality of song.

Next up is 'Come Alive', very euro-metal with a great guitar sound and Martin sounding a bit Blackie Lawless on the chorus.  'I Am The One' has a gentle start, Martin once again sounding a bit like Mr Lawless, then those solid guitars kick in and the song takes off.

Then we’re on to 'Hero Of The Night', another slice of 80’s metal with overtures of Saxon hiding in the mix. A song that’ll put a smile on your face as you reminisce on all those bands you saw during the 80’s ... oops that’ll just be me then!!

'Your Fate' has a pure Saxon intro and definitely a standout track only let down by a run of the mill chorus.  'What Burns In Their Eyes' follows another good solid song. These boys may not be original but they can sure can come up with some great choruses.

This leads us into 'Slave Under Passion', with it’s Iron Maiden intro, have these guys been filling in for messrs Murray, Smith, Gers and Harris in their down time. Another solid song with a catchy chorus.

'Why' is up next and the WASP connotation just jumps from the speaker.  Once again the sound is solid, big and beefy.  'Cynical' has to be the heaviest track on here and has touches of Savatage in there.

Last but one on the album, 'Attraction' carries on the theme of the previous songs, great sound, solid guitars and rythmn.  To finish the cd off we have 'Open Your Eyes', bit of a celtic feel at the beginning and a Jon Oliva sounding vocal, best song on the album with a few different textures running through.

This is a strong first effort, they may not bring anything new to the table but I always feel that if you have good songs they’ll carry through.  You get the feeling the band had fun making this album and with a very strong production it carries across the speakers.  Definitely not an album to just sit and listen to, I found it came over better when I was busy doing other things. The influences are all in there and worn proudly on the denim jacket.  Not the best album I’ve heard this year but it won’t be the worst either.  If you’ve got a few quid available you could do worse than pick up a copy.

*Review by Brassy

All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated.