Let There Be Nothing

Nobody is happier than me when a formerly crappy band turns around and produces something really good. I reviewed this band's debut album like eight years ago and heard nothing else about them. At the time, I was fine with that, as back then Judicator were, shall we say, not ready for the big time. They have, however, kept at it, and now, on their fifth album, they have hit what they were aiming for, as Let There Be Nothing is just fucking good.

Interestingly, they are still all about following the sound of early Blind Guardian albums like Somewhere Far Beyond, but now they have actually gotten good at it. This album is full of what you would expect from a bunch of classic Blind Guardian fanboys: fast playing, hooky riffs, and layered vocals. I am still not as big a fan of this sound as other people are, but this album is just rock-solid no matter what you are into. The recording is pro, the riffs are heavy and catchy, and the playing is spot on. Vocalist John Yelland has really upped his game. He used to be the worst part of the band, but he has learned to work what he has and stay within his limits. The band also uses that trademark Hansi-style vocal layering for the choral effects, and that helps cover for Yelland's weaknesses, but that doesn't change the fact that he has improved enormously. Sometimes he is trying a bit too hard to sound like Hansi, but it works. Overall this is an album I viewed with trepidation, but I am glad to report it pretty much rules.