We've got this covered

I'm not sure why the current vogue for rock covers of classic songs but I like it.

Released around the same time are Prisma from The Poodles and Monuments Uncovered by Mystic Prophesy. Between them featuring pumped-up versions of Shadow on the Wall, I'm Still Standing, because the Night, Get it On, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Sir Elton doing well out of all this), Go Your Own Way and plenty more.

 

Unsigned discovery of the week - Metalert, Decay part 1

Metalert are a young band from Poland playing classic metal and making a great job of it.

The album is Decay part 1, you can buy a CD package containing both parts on two discs, but only part 1 seems to be available to listen and buy digitally. Part one has seven tracks but they're not short. They're asking a meagre amount and it may be the first time I've doubled the asking price because I felt it was worth more.

They're playing (and dressing) classic heavy metal and doing it very well. They remind me of Walpyrgus; melodic, but powerful and no-nonsense, with plenty of tempo and style changes within tracks to add interest. Musically the sound is well-layerd, professional and polished and the songwriting is top.

The only criticism I can make is that the inexperience shows a little in the vocals, particularly on the power ballad Broken Cage. That's not to say that they're difficult to listen to, just that in a couple of albums' time they'll be even better.

Five stars, Looking forward to part 2.

★★★★★