(Power Metal) Death Dealer - War Master - 2013, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Featuring in its ranks a great collection of top notch musicians, DEATH DEALER is the perfect throwback to a time when Metal dominated the music scene. They have hints of JUDAS PRIEST, JAG PANZER and of course MANOWAR. Their style is straightforward and rips your head straight off. They are ready to unleash their debut record "War Master" and quite simply, they play Metal the way it is supposed to be played.

The band has a high pedigree of musicianship as the line up is impeccable. A super group in their own right the line up features in its ranks vocalist Sean Peck from CAGE and former MANOWAR member’s guitarist Ross The Boss and drummer Rhino. The band has known each other on the scene over the last five years and specifically over the last year started to gravitate towards each other with an idea to form a new band. This is not a one off and they are adamant to be looked upon as a new band with an intention of continuing on in the future.

The band comes across incredibly authentic and they play music from their heart. This is true Heavy Metal as there are killer guitar riffs, shredding solos, insane double bass playing and screams that would make Rob Halford proud. The song writing sets apart DEATH DEALER as the band has constructed catchy, heavy and melodic songs that will force you to bang your head and scream along.

Opening "War Master" is their eponymous titled track and it comes out of the gate like a bullet. Peck lets loose with a scream to let the listener know that we are in PRIEST’S "Painkiller" territory. An aggressive track with an excellent memorable chorus that has vocalist Peck showcasing his talent as his vocal range is downright impressive. Tremendous guitar leads with sweeps and the perfect interplay back and forth between Ross The Boss and Stu Marshall steal the spotlight.

The MERCYFUL FATE influenced “Curse Of The Heretic” shows the band bringing in some different influences. Peck does an amazing job of embodying King Diamond as he utilizes that amazing low growl that King perfected and it enhances the song. So many singers forget how diverse King’s voice is and it is great to see Peck capture that. Another killer chorus that will be impaled into your head and one that you will want to hear over again.

If you are a fan of classic Metal then DEATH DEALER's debut record is going to blow you away. I love the inclusion of the slight NWOBHM influences and some early 80s Speed Metal that is included in their sound. It sets them apart from all of the JUDAS PRIEST clones that have dominated the power metal scene over the last fifteen years.

I am glad to see DEATH DEALER give time and effort to “War Master” because it is a record that is as strong as any of the member’s current or past offerings. The record isn’t overly original but that is preferred. This is a band that knows exactly what they are out to accomplish and they reinforce their commitment to metal with every track.

Mike Davis - Bass ( Halford, ex-B.O.W.A., Dramarama, ex-Lizzy Borden, ex-Ozzy Osbourne, ex-Angel Rot, ex-Dogma, ex-Terriff )
Rhino - Drums ( Angels of Babylon, Forgotten Realm, Holy Force, Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Stonecast, A.K.A, ex-HolyHell, ex-Manowar, ex-Tommy Vitaly, ex-Fast Taker (live), ex-Ango Tasso's Air Force, ex-Shadow Symphony )
Ross the Boss - Guitars ( Ross the Boss, ex-Brain Surgeons, ex-Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, Manitoba, The Dictators, ex-Manowar, ex-Shakin' Street )
Stu Marshall - Guitars ( Empires of Eden, Paindivision, Ronny Munroe, Saint Lucifer, Stu Marshall, ex-Dungeon )
Sean Peck - Vocals ( Cage )