Marshall Law - Power Game

Sophomore effort received a rough trial first time round

West Midlands-based Marshall Law were part of the second wave of British heavy metal and this 1993 album, their second, is a corker. While their debut album nodded heavily at Judas Priest (and was unfairly criticised in the process), this follow-up release takes that influence in a much heavier power metal direction, while also incorporating the melodic end of Anthrax and Megadeth.

Guitarists Martin and Southwell mix chunky riffs and hot solos, with producer Robin George turning that into a wall of sound – one you hit at speed from the opening track. Meanwhile, Another Generation is classic power metal, with Andy Pyke’s vocals mixing quick-fire bursts with high pitched anthemic touches.

Off the back of grunge and in the face of alternative metal, this album may have been out of place at the time, but with the current trends in power metal and resurgence of Judas Priest, this is a timely reminder of just how good Marshall Law are. Sadly the CD tells us nothing of the original release, or even that this is a reissue. The bonus track and reproduction of the original sleevenotes and lyrics do save some grace though.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Krescendo Records | KRECD 1

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