Despite the vast potential that the underground always has roiling underneath its surface, it can all too often be said that there are plenty of styles that are not living up to their own potential for one reason or another. Such views vary from one person to the next, and it’s my belief that heavy metal is one such sound even when taking into account the times when the genre is given absolute glory. Yet, those moments can feel incredibly few and far between with there always being more than enough room for a new name to make itself known through power and spirit. Throughout its debut album, Axe Dagger showcases both in splendid quantity.

In recent times, the world of heavy metal has seen plenty of highs and more than its fair share of lows. However, it’s because of bands that are rife with the right kind of energy and more than willing to put in the work to show us what heavy metal can still become that the genre still very much so has a pulse that’s as strong as it is undeniable even if it feels dormant at times. All it takes is a proper shot of adrenaline at the proper time, but that can oftentimes be a tall order for even the most proficient of musicians. Across ten tracks, Axe Dagger comes out in full force to offer us more than enough of leaving one hell of an impression upon both the listener and the current state of heavy metal in general. Each of these musicians are incredibly experienced in their own separate acts across several different genres, yet it’s in the eponymous entry of Axe Dagger that they have clearly tapped into something that has long dwelled deep within their psyche the likes of which we’re lucky enough to witness even once every few years. By no means does this record necessarily break any new ground for the genre at large, but that wasn’t the point of this record. Axe Dagger sought to craft something that hearkened back to that long-feared lost old school of heavy metal that puts hair on your hair and a fierce fire in the eye, and it would be an outright lie to claim that they achieved anything less.

I’ve no doubt that the previous commitments of these musicians and their other bands will prevent Axe Dagger from returning in force for quite some time, yet I cannot help but feel as though it will surely be worth the wait. What’s thrown down here is textbook heavy metal the likes of which is nigh on invigoration with it more than earning our respect the moment it makes impact. Axe Dagger has much to offer, and in no way do they make light of their awesome might.

“Axe Dagger” releases on March 6th via Ripple Music!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Axe Dagger” on Bandcamp here.

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