« Passion of Dirt »
2014
Emerging from Austria, the foursome of GARAGEDAYS make no bones about it, they are truly indebted to the spirit and rebellion of 1980’s Heavy Metal!! Their latest effort, « Passion of Dirt » is such a tribute and indeed a throwback to the glorious days of yore, that even Andy LaRocque of King Diamond found his way to mix and master the album along with Ralph Scheepers and the band themselves at the helm of production.
Coming off their last full length, « Dark and Cold » in 2011, the band have upped the ante in execution and passion and blasting the listener with « It Rules » and « Never Give Up« , songs that imbue the sleaze/rock aesthetic along with a dirty bar/rock feel too! In a similar vein, « Road to Madness » captures a more pulverizing and aggressive tone, reminiscent of early MOTÖRHEAD, while « Bleeding Days » is also voracious in its execution.
What makes « Passion of Dirt » so enjoyable is the flow by which the songs are placed. The album’s sequence of heavier and slower tunes is in perfect tandem and never offers any redundant « filler » but a logical pace of development. Besides the heavier numbers, there are moments of sheer emotion that capture the « softer side » of GARAGEDAYS. The title track, « Streets » and « The Unknown Feeling » all include powerful, yet subtle, nuances of heavy rock balladry, especially the latter, which is certainly a standout track. Here, beautifully strummed chords and docile vocals make for an ode fit for lit lighters held high in praise! Meanwhile, « Streets » is befitting of acclaim in its plucked strings that give way to the band’s signature heavy assault and epic guitar solo.
Being a group that has released this, their second complete album, GARAGEDAYS will surely have heads rolling as fans hear « Passion of Dirt » for the first time. Brilliantly produced, the quality of the songs is top notch and will go a long way in securing the band’s reputation for bringing back the old spirit/defiance of the golden days of ‘80’s style Heavy Metal. Packed full of memorable songs, fans that lived through that period along with new fans will surely have a lot to celebrate in this album, which would best be heard live, in an open air festival this summer. Buy your tickets now!!!
Standout Tracks: « Road to Madness« , « Razorblade« , « Streets« , « The Unknown Feeling »
9/10
Chris
