Our eyes or ears can now be turned to what happens and what is released in the Chilean scenario, and if in the midst of so many novelties around the world with more modern metal lines on the other hand we still come across albums that seem to have been taken and it is precisely in this respect that we now speak of the remnants of Santiago, the band LUCIFER'S HAMMER and their album "Time Is Death", released by Stormspell Records on March 31st. 2018.

This Chilean quartet is the living proof that the NWOBHM line continues to pulsate in distant lands and "Time Is Death" already jumps to the eyes from the concept of cover with being hooded among suffering souls, the hourglass marking the time, the details of the colors, everything already shoots the image of this in vinyl in the mind, and definitely would be a good acquisition. This release is about the band's second album and it is inevitable to comment on how they have progressed since its foundation in 2012, everything here works perfectly for those who follow the old school heavy metal standard, a perfect audition for those who enjoy ANGEL WITCH, IRON MAIDEN, etc.

We can push the play beyond a doubt of what to find. "Time Is Death" brings back in its beginning the masterful title track. The opening of guitar and bass is a perfect song for the bands of the past, and when guitarist and vocalist Hades begins the memory will take you back in time and that sounds like 1983 once again. The seven-minute track features dynamic riffs and the ensemble between Hades and Hypnos works exceptionally well, both of them obviously have learned their lessons well from the twin guitar teams of the past, and we can think of Murray and Smith from IRON MAIDEN and Tipton and Downing of JUDAS PRIEST, or Sherman and Denner of the MERCYFUL FATE. "Prisoners of the Night" is next and is a short, melodic explosion of speed metal, with Hypnos and Hades garnering broad support from the solid rhythm section of Sirus (bass) and Titan (drums).

Everything follows in a potent and balanced way until "Shade of Darkness" and then we are back to the territory of ANGEL WITCH with the instrumental "Garapuña", and it is always gratifying to observe the bands attaching the sonority to the influences of their culture, that brings a flavor different from hearing. "Lady Dark" and "Traitors of the Night" go through a good rhythm and it is intriguing to hear the work of the drums and the kit running like a machine, "Time Is Death" ends with another long track, "Dreamer", which is a cut of metal in the middle of a tight and melodic rhythm. almost seven minutes and ends the album with a high note. The melodies are vibrant, the harmony over all set works with a perfect fit and for a minute I wonder again "what year is this album really?". That phrase in Stormspell Records's slogan actually works "stuck in the 80's and proud of it" because that's exactly what you'll find. Then hit the play and enjoy the trip to the past.

Could not close this review without mentioning how gratifying it would be to see this vinyl release as it would be easy to pair on the shelf next to big names in the traditional metal so this is a direct tip for you if your search follows bands and new albums within then listen to Lucifer's Hammer, this is what I call quality audition, no regrets!