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7 out of 10
NWOBHM - such a definitive period in the timeline of heavy metal. Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest were the leaders of the pack with Diamond Head and Angel Witch following at the back. It wasn't exactly the catchiest descriptive term, but more people refer to this period as "N'wobum" than the initial's actual meaning (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal...idiot).
Mean Streak exist in a world (Sweden) where the wave is still new and couldn't give a toss about your Vampyric Weekender's or Collections of Animals. This is a metal studded fist straight into your lugholes. Imagine Saxon's Biff singing with Judas Priest and you're nearly there. Less Blue Oyster Bar, more northern working men's club.
Not straying from the original blueprint drawn up by Judith the Saxon Maiden, Mean Streak have enlisted Frederick Nordstrom (At The Gates, Opeth, In Flames) to mix their new album "Metal Slave". And instead of sounding played out and tired, there is a fresh punchy sound to the album.
This isn't going to win over any snobby indie kids or minimalist techno fans - Mean Streak don't need the posers and it's certainly better than Judas Priest's last "Nostradamus" effort. Only comment is that the title track "Metal Slave" is a touch too Maiden and now singer Andy La Guerin sounds more like Blaze Bayley than Biff Byford. Oh well, can't have them all.
Listen: www.myspace.com/meanstreaksweden
Tracklist:
1. Whom The Gods Love Die Young
2. Battle Within
3. Eyes Of A Stranger
4. The Seventh Sign
5. Raise Your Hands
6. Rock City
7. Sin City Lights
8. Carved In Stone
9. Metal Slave
10. Sinners and Saints
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