SATANIC RITES which way the wind blows 85 LP NWOBHM Iron Maiden SEALED

$

70

ARTIST: SATANIC RITES

TITLE: WHICH WAY THE WIND BLOWS 

LABEL: CHUB

CATALOG #: 1

COUNTRY: UK

CONDITION: SEALED

record: MINT

cover: MINT

label: MINT

I SHIP FROM ST.PETERSBURG, RUSSIA $14.00 WORLDWIDE

DESRIPTION: 

Companies etc

• Recorded At – Ric Rac Sound Studio
• Mastered At – Mayking Records

Credits

• Bass Guitar – David Ingham (3)
• Drums – David Kershaw (2)
• Engineer – Mick Robson*
• Keyboards, Vocals – Kevin Doyle (2)
• Lead Guitar, Vocals – Stuart Page (2)
• Producer, Arranged By – David Clay (2), Satanic Rites
• Vocals – Deborah Webster

Notes

"This totally unknown NWOBHM cusp band produces a fine effort here, besting some of their female-fronted contemporise in a heavy metal/NWOBHM/hard rock collection that’s perhaps surprisingly ‘pop’ orientated at times, though without sending your mind to recall Cyndi Lauper. Satanic Rites offer a strongly melodic, almost NWOBHM/ 80’s powerpop sound which ranks among the finer female fronted heavy metal acts of the period. This effort, released in 1985, sits truly in unknown territory, though perhaps ‘one-ups’ competitors such as Girlschool or Rock Goddess. 

Though the name, and perhaps the cover art on this release may conjure up likings to bands like Cloven Hoof, the band sits more on the melodic rock side of the NWOBHM scene, though doing it well. This one is recommendable for those who aren’t afraid of a little ‘melodic hard rock’ in their metal.

Subject matter seems to deal with the hard rock stalwart personal issues/love songs scene, but without boring the listener. Tracks like ‘Don’t Tell Lies’ are an example of well thought out song writing, with suitable vocals over bridge riffs, uniquely ‘rockin out’ NWOBHM leads, and those ‘hit the spot’ melodic riffs that offer punch while accentuating flowing ‘love song’ vocals. This track is a particularly good example of how to write o good bass under-riff which keeps simplistic, yet effective riffage interesting. On a related note, the next track, “Fear of the Night” (laden in synth-y keyboards) may lead one to expect quite ‘metal’ subject matter, however it’s another decently executed ‘love’ orientated number. Some very effective lyrics and vocal melodies in both.

‘Turn Around’ is your slower track with almost folk-ish female vocal melodies, and some strings introducing it, however it ventures into almost doom-metal territory with some heavy simple riffs, with vocals layered over which may or may not remind you of Jefferson Airplane. But I digress. This track’s inclusion, and postioning on the album certainly is well thought out, perhaps slapping the diverted listener’s attention. Subject matter is in typical love-ballad territory again.

‘Slam the Door’ is a strong started track, with an intro riff, into galloping bass with truly NWOBHM lead-over guitar that could be comparable to any number of NWOBHM greats, perhaps Badger, or Blitzkrieg. Perhaps a favourite track, this number offers pace with melody, and retains that classic NWOBHM head-nodding quality, quenching that ‘metal’ thirst. I particularly enjoy the lyrics on this one, which speak of vengeance, hell, and death, in what may be considered the most ‘metal’ song on the track. Interestingly, it reminds of Rock Goddess quite a bit, yet I’m not sure why. Love the leads in this one; truly a track that just fits together like a jigsaw. All respect due to the band members in crafting this little number. Great song writing, without having to be technical to do it.

Track 7 is another particularly stand-out track, with some consideration to vocal harmonies, and a top-notch performance by vocalist Deborah Webster polishing it off. More keyboard, and simple yet spine shattering melodic power-chords provide the backing for another respectable power love song here. The finale introduces some sample effects which induce a touch of the doom/NWOBHM feel yet again, and provide the introduction to the considerably emotional title track, ‘Which Way the Wind Blows.’ The intro riff reminds me a little of ‘House of the Rising Sun’, by The Doors, which is a negative, I guess, yet the strings and vocals by Deborah are enough to cancel that out. This number, while not being my favourite, introduces complexity in song writing, and recording, as well as a mood, that should earn the band considerable credos; that is, if anyone had ever heard of them. Really a top-notch effort, this one definitely brings back more ‘doom’ qualities, and is an example of NWOBHM’s more complex moments.

To conclude; Great! This one really got me hooked and is a considerable breath of fresh air when compiling your NWOBHM collection. With no dull moments in my book, great (female) vocals, strong song-writing from start to finish and a truly unique feel, Which Way the Wind Blows is a sure-fire winner. Keep in mind, it is probably not advisable to NWOBHM newcomers, nor to those afraid of a little hard rock as a side dish to their heavy metal collection. Fans of Girlschool and Rock Goddess would be well advised to check this one out, as well as fans of bands like Pagan Altar and your other doom laden heavy metal."