Various Artists

"Heavy metal is the law" is the phrase written on the jewel case inlay for new Earache compilation "Heavy Metal Killers" and it sums up aptly the high energy spirit and denim 'n leather unity characterized by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The 13 tracks on this album weren't recorded by old geezers from the '80s, but instead by a new breed of fist-pumping firebrands influenced in part by that special time in the history of heavy metal. The good news is that just as the "Thrashing Like a Maniac" compilation succeeded in offering a sampling of new school thrashers that was not only representative, but also of good quality, "Heavy Metal Killers" succeeds for the same reasons.

The one characteristic shared by all of the bands on the album is the combination of strong melodies, real singing, strong riffs, and righteous guitar harmonies. Only one of these bands is from the States, WHITE WIZZARD, although they happen to offer one of the album's best tracks, a classic cut called "High Speed GTO", which impresses largely because of the incredibly catchy chorus. It's the kind of chorus that requires a rolling down of the windows on a hot summer day while you're cruising down the main drag of any-town USA. Well, not sure about 2009, but it would certainly be appropriate for 1985.

But back to the geography lesson. Mexico's VOLTAX and Toronto's CAULDRON (inclusive of former members of the mighty GOAT HORN) are the only other North American entries. The latter also offers another compilation highlight in the early mix version of "Chained up in Chains", a much slicker, though not over-produced by any means, style than was heard from the members' former act. The tune will appear on the band's forthcoming "Chained to the Nite" album.

No less than four bands — ENFORCER, RAM, PORTRAIT, and IN SOLITUDE — call Sweden home, reinforcing the fact that the country continues to produce a disproportionate share of the world's best metal (not just black and death). You may have read my rave review of ENFORCER's "Into the Night" on this site and the speed/traditional metal of "Mistress of Hell" from that album is represented here — it is a highlight on both releases. PORTRAIT's "A Thousand Nightmares" and IN SOLITUDE's "Witches Sabbath" are the album's MERCYFUL FATE tribute cuts (the former in particular). Both are strong compositions.

Of the remaining tracks, "Live by the Sword" is a majestic gem from Ireland's CELTIC LEGACY and CAST IRON's "Running from the Law" merges early IRON MAIDEN grit with the fundamentals of JUDAS PRIEST's "British Steel". There are no bad cuts on this one. The short of it is that "Heavy Metal Killers" serves its purpose as a nostalgic ride down memory lane and as a testament to the continued relevance of this style of heavy metal in 2009. Good metal is good metal, as they say.