LECTOR is a traditional heavy metal band from Falun, Sweden who has just released their full-length album "Bubonic Dawn". Much about the band is shrouded in mystery so in this review, I will only be dealing with the music itself instead of bog you down with any history lessons or play the six-degrees of separation game.

I would definitely compare this music to some of the more old-school heavy metal bands that have just become universally beloved at this point. MEGADETH, SEPULTURA, METALLICA... I think you get the idea by now. But this music certainly doesn't sound antiquated. It is just the opposite, at times nostalgic but most of the time its just so refreshing to hear a heavy metal band try not to conform to a certain style or theme and approached their own music with respect to the genre's foundational elements. Soaring melodic guitar solos, primitive shouting vocals, morale-boosting drum work and expressive and fluid bass lines.

Although what you might've overlooked is that this album only contains seven, intact songs. Four of the tracks are just slightly different, demo versions of four of those tracks from a 2010 demo. And there's also one other track that is labeled as an outtake. I guess the outtake could be considered the eighth song on the album since there's nothing that really distinguishes it as any different from the seven other songs this album has.

Songs like "Lucifer Och Hatets Armé" and the colloquial title-track "Bubonic Dawn" really give a distinct NWOBHM vibe to the album, with all of the medieval themes and lyrical references but it's just so hard to ignore its straightforward, pounding thrash metal interludes. I think the music is strong and can carry its own weight in the immense amount of talent this group has. LECTOR comes out as a very modest yet successful release that is very hard to dislike. LECTOR proves, once again and as usual, that the Scandinavians have a strong handle on making ass-kicking, battle-ready heavy metal.
 <