ATKINS / MAY PROJECT

The "name" guy in the ATKINS / MAY PROJECT is Al Atkins, former (as in four decades ago ) JUDAS PRIEST front man and writer of, among other songs, all-time classic "Victim of Changes", which is still enough of a pedigree to get the attention of many metal folks. The association with the Birmingham Metal Gods has its benefits, but Atkins has done more with his career than just rest on past achievements, including releasing six solo albums, published a music-based biography, and fronting HOLY RAGE. In short, Atkins knows a thing or two about heavy metal, as evidenced by "Serpent's Kiss", a likeable affair of respectable quality. As for Paul May, I hadn't a clue beyond what the press release reveals, which is that he's a Christian guitarist of some renown who has played on upwards of 50 album. He also dishes up some tasty licks and hot solos on "Serpent's Kiss".

Too shabby "Serpent's Kiss" is not. While the mind-blowing potential of "Serpent's Kiss" is nil, it does boast quite a few strong tracks and only a few so-so ones. The musical lines run direct to '70s JUDAS PRIEST (even post-Al to some extent),but only in parts and without seeming retreaded, and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (to some extent). But more than anything "Serpent's Kiss" just sounds like a traditional metal album. "The Shallowing", "Traitor's Hand" (that swirling machete riff is a standout) "Dream Maker", "Judge", "Fight", and "Signz" are headbangingly delightful, although it is those first two cuts that always seem to come to mind when I think about the long player. Not everything is ace, such as what sounds like an attempt at modernization on the marginally awkward "Can You Hear Me?" and a cover of KISS' "Cold Gin" that is far less electrifying than the original, mainly because of the looser riff interpretation. The latter isn't quite a throwaway either; more like a B-side slipped in with the A-sides. Eight-and-a-half minute, steady plodding closer "Theatre of Fools" at first seems headed for rough terrain until its hypnotic groove and all-around classiness takes hold and make it one of the most memorable tracks.

There is a certain warmth in the music of "Serpent's Kiss", maybe owing to the character in Atkins' voice, that tends to transcend composition, that whole thing about being "likeable" that I mentioned earlier. The album just feels good in a metallic sense. Whatever the origin, no matter the pedigree, the combination of Atkins' slightly worn, mid-register vocals and May's swings of the axe gets the job done in style on an album that most fans of traditional heavy metal should enjoy.