STAIRWAY - review added 29th April 2010
Album Review: Interregnum (2010)
For fans of: Heavy Metal... and AMAZING artwork
Interregnum is officially the 5th album from UK heavy metallers Stairway. Their first No Rest, No Mercy was released back in 1993, although the discography on their website - including rare cuts and deleted demos - extends back to the early 1980s.
The band these days - Graeme Leslie on vocals and bass, Andy Edwards on drums, and Pete Jennens on guitar - play a music with its roots firmly in classic British metal. Graeme Leslie's voice sounds uncannily like Doogie White, and the overall feel of the band is of Iron Maiden meets Magnum meets Saxon.
This is one of those releases that's a lot more catchy and enjoyable than it has any right to be. It isn't what you could call superb, but it does have its moments. The musicianship initially comes across as unimpressive, the production seems underdone, and the songs don't sound that special. However, it has that ability to work its way under your skin...and in places it almost becomes anthemic with repeated listens.
There aren't any mind-blowing moments on Interregnum, although several of the songs are jolly enjoyable in isolation. Stairway definitely deserve checking out by NWOBHM fans and anyone who likes a good slice of noise. It isn't an instant album, but you may well find that it's worth the effort.
Check out... That artwork by the amazing Rodney Matthews (Magnum and more).
Track List:
01. The Suffering Servant
02. In the Shadow of the Cross
03. I'm Calling
04. Born To Die
05. Ride the Wind
06. New Life
07. Enter the Light
08. Fear & Lies
09. What Lies Within
10. The Battle's Over
11. Born To Die - Epilogue
Artist's website(s): Stairway , MySpace
