Chuck Schuldiner Project

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Striker - City of Gold


“El Dorado, the legends are true” or so said James Franco in Pineapple Express. Yet, I think that a large part of what metal is for all of us is finding that band that is a veritable El Dorado, that is just the peak of what metal should be in its purest form. It seems to me that after multiple listens, Strikers new record City of Gold is just that. Maybe it's just been far too long since I've listened to power metal, but I certainly get the sense that with this record Striker stand tall, delivering their unique brand of high energy power metal right through the heart.

See, as the albums first song, the scene-worshipping Underground, kicks in, you immediately ask yourself, what is this? Sure the riffs have a fairly clean cut tone, but it feels like it has the speed and precision of a thrash record. As you progress through the record the guitarmonies show this band is definitely in the power metal camp, but its pit starting prowess should not be ignored. I think, ultimately, what makes City of Gold so enjoyable for me is the fact that it is, if nothing else, fun. Striker understand what guys like you and me want from a record, and this is the kind of thing that you can kick ass and take names too. Pure metal madness compressed in eleven memorable tracks.

Pardon me while I wax on about the beauty of this record, but it may very well be one of the best Napalm Records releases of the year. Sure, as you all know, I'm crazy about this label, but that's because all of their bands seem to understand the fundamental joy that should define this music. Listening to this record is like riding on the wings of an eagle as it swoops and soars, showing off exciting riffs and dynamic changes. City of Gold is an El Dorado of a record, and I think that once you start spinning it you'll have a hard time stopping!


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