Germany's Stormrider released their second album of traditional Heavy Metal, Fate of the Hunter, in 2008. Straight up Heavy Metal is the style, with Iron Maiden and Iced Earth being the reference points. While these guys seem to take their metal seriously, what they've created is a very generic sounding album. I just finished listening to it all the way through for the third time and I honestly can't remember a single hook, chorus or lyric. That's not to say this album is BAD, it's just not very good. And OK, I'm exaggerating about not remembering anything. I can hear the chorus to "We Are One" in my head, but that's only because lead singer Stephan Hebes' vocal style can be quite annoying. He has a very prominent vibrato that makes it sound like he's holding a jackhammer while he's singing. I much prefer the all-too-few times he lowers his voice and delivers an almost thrash-style growl, briefly channeling Bobby Blitz.
As I said before, there's nothing really wrong with this release other than its remarkable blandness. There are plenty of Maiden-like riffs and double kicks, although you've heard them before. In fact, I thought track 7, "Fugitives" and track 8 "We Are One" were both parts of one long epic, they sound so much alike. It took a second listen to realize they were separate songs. Singer Stephan Hebes does have very good range and his voice fits the music, but please, kill the vibrato once in a while. Some well written songs, some better production and these guys could really make a go of this music thing. Here's hoping Fate of the Hunter is a learning experience and that Stormrider take a step forward on their next release.
