Here's all our industry rewiews in one tasty blog!!!!
"Is this the ‘New Wave of Trad Metal’ movement the media buffoons Metal Hammer seem so adamant is sweeping the music scene? If so, I think they might actually have something right for once! Rooted firmly in the old school, Storm the Gates play heavy metal, plain and simple, and at quite a high standard for a band who only formed early last year. While their influences listed are largely modern metal, STG have a much more early 80’s sound to them, capturing the essence of Iron Maiden, Accept and Raven and fusing it with an underground attitude- I’m sure none of those bands had growled choruses! (Correct me if I’m wrong).
Shot in the Head and Hanged at the Gates has a nifty, ascending riff which gets your foot tapping, your head banging, and gallops through the rest of the song on dual guitar licks and subtle vocal harmonies which are often overlooked; they make a massive difference, bands don’t utilise them enough! While in the current musical climate a lot of bands are trying to progress beyond all recognition and redemption, Storm the Gates stand strong against the majority and stick firmly to their guns, kind of like fellow defenders of the faith, Conquest of Steel… In fact, they are deceptively similar; if they took a DNA test I wouldn’t be surprised if they came from the same family! In places I feel that the vocalist could perhaps but a bit more feeling into his performance, but that’s only a fraction of the time; overall, very competent vox, complimenting the widdly twin guitar licks and solos extremely well. With song names like
Iron Mongers and a sound very close to that of some of the more traditional power metal, there is a tiny hint of cheese, but in small doses, it can be fun, and let’s face it, this is hardly Gorgonzola on a Helloween scale. In a competitive and contemporary market, this style of music is incredibly difficult to make a name out of, but live is where Storm The Gates can make their name, with plenty of fist pumping anthems to subdue the crowds. Solid, simple, good ol’ fashioned fun."
7/10
PuddaWudda - ukmetalunderground
"Considering Storm The Gates only formed in early 2008 this release shows how quickly they can muster up some quality music.
The old school metal influences present on opening track 'Shot in the head (and hanged at the gates)' blast you back to a time when metal was all about riffs and melody. The maiden-esque guitar leads meet with a glorius trad chorus, making this track immediately memorable. With songs like this you can imagine them opening the recent Wolf/Cauldron gig at the Camden Underworld.
Some of the latter day influences raise their heads on the likes of 'A thousand waves' which has enough crunch and grind to keep Lamb of God and Testament fans happy.
The EP also showcases what accomplished musicians the members of the band are. When you add this to the tracks available here it really makes you want to catch them at one of their upcoming gigs in Kingston, Canning Town, Camden and Lewisham.
Go see them kick up a storm!"
www.myspace.com/stormthega..tesuk
7.5/10
by Alan Hicks - Unified Sounds