HOLY GRAIL

We'll not even reference the band in which several members of HOLY GRAIL played at tone time since it has been referenced in nearly every bit of coverage they've gotten, thereby detracting from the facts of the matter. Included in those facts are that since 2009's "Improper Burial" EP, one with only two originals and two covers, HOLY GRAIL has been a critical darling of this decade's traditional heavy metal resurgence and rightly so. The band's full length debut, "Crisis in Utopia", is one on which the band has taken a classic heavy metal approach with NWOBHM shades and modernized it with a stouter delivery and production, the end result neither one of retro mimicry nor inaccessible, soul-robbing 21st Century faux metal; rather, it is simply an American heavy metal album and a damn good one at that.

Indeed, "Crisis in Utopia" is an album that will please fans of traditional heavy metal that's chock full twin leads, fiery soloing, and catchy melodies, yet the potential of crossover appeal to fans of metal modernity is vast, thanks to the set of steel balls swinging from this beast. An unusual choice (considering the style) in producer Danny Lohner (NINE INCH NAILS, A PERFECT CIRCLE) pays off too; beefiness and clarity working hand and hand for maximum impact. Up-tempo, traditionally rhythmic and guitar-based songs with memorable choruses abound, not the least of which includes blazer "My Last Attack", steel-belted and thrashy "Fight to Kill" (complete with those all-important "whhoooooaaaaa" harmonies),mid-tempo bruiser "Call of Valhalla" with its festival-ready backing shouts (with festival-ready shout lines),and the Yngwie-peppered and smartly arranged "Chase the Wind". The standout cut, without a doubt, is "Hollow Ground"; its mighty chorus will hook you from the very first listen and keep you coming back for more.

The boys can play with the best of 'em too. Stellar axe work from Eli Santana and James J LaRue and the mid-range, uniquely tuneful vocals of James Paul Luna constitute the key ingredients of "Crisis in Utopia". Bassist Blake Mount and drummer Tyler Meahl are no slouches either. The team effort offers the kind of depth that will have the listener changing his mind about favorite cuts after every listening session. "Crisis in Utopia" is a very impressive debut that showcases HOLY GRAIL's knack for balancing heaviness with accessibility.