'Ill Repute' is Spiral Grave's second album and this Maryland powerhouse are absolutely stunning. They already proved this with the debut 'Legacy Of The Anointed' but on this their sophomore offering the band has stepped it up even further. Sped-up doom metal blended with proper heavy metal is what's on offer and Spiral Grave does this so well. With yours truly not paying attention closely enough 'Ill Repute' saw the light of day a year ago but better late than ever.
Starting off with 'Watching From The Sky' Spiral Grave bring a nice touch of NWOBHM that permeates the entire song mixed with traditional heavy metal. The result? Damned great! 'Eulogy For Queen City (21502)' begins with a trippy-ish intro courtesy of Messeurs Willy Rivera, guitar, and Lou Strachan, bass guitar before Spiral Grave unleash a mid-tempo bulldozer of a song. With the band not afraid of cutting corners, this is a beast. 'My Angel Comes Tonight' follows in a lurking, sinister cinematic vampire fashion. About 5 minutes in the band takes off and brings Iron Maiden at their very best to mind. Lead-heavy and in your face 'The Death Of Ronnie M' is a brilliant metal crusher.
'Lungful Of Blood' is relentless and unforgiving as Spiral Grave simply annihilates. 'Ill Repute' follows and the title track is full of sharp riffs and the crushing backbone of Strachan and Mot Waldmann. Moves between mid-tempo to slow but it is ferocious and wonderful. After a somewhat Sabbath-esque intro '(Raising The) Chalice' gradually builds up until erupting retaining the lead-heavy ball-breaking feel of the album. The album ends with 'To Stare Down God' and is a half and half mix of trash metal and heavy metal making it the juggernaut it is.
'Ill Repute' is the perfect transition from album to album two and it's such a great feeling as a fan when a band you like moves forward with such ease. Then again, these guys are seasoned veterans and brilliant musicians so they know what to do...and that they did. 'Ill Repute' is such a good album which everyone needs...don't miss out!
-Swedebeast
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