Even with the internet linking the entire world, the deluge of information and bands is so great that many names and news can't be absorbed by all of us. But when I saw the name of the North American quintet ATTACKER, I remember of reading a review for "Battle at Helms Deep" in the beginning of 1986, but no new information I had since now. And now, 32 years passed and I'm here, having to write a review for their new release, the EP "Armor of the Gods". Let me tell you: it's an honor to me.

The New Jersey quintet still plays in that same old and good US Metal way. Yes, it's filled with a personal energy and with harmonies build with excellent instrumental arrangements and charming melodies. Of course they are talented, and even with this form of music being nothing new, I must remind you: they're an old band, from a time when this way of playing Metal was new, and their work can make your heart beat faster due the happiness it gives.

The studio songs were recorded at Pyramid Sound Studios, Ithaca (NY) under the supervision of Alex Perialas (a Metal master on the productions on the 80s, who worked with OVERKILL, TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, S.O.D. and many others), who did the production, mixing and mastering. For those who know his work, knows that "perfection" isn't just an ideal, but a reality. He gave the band the right amount of sound weight, aggressiveness and punch, but always with excellent level of clarity.

Musically, we can say that ATTACKER is a stronghold for US Metal, that mix of traditional Heavy Metal from NWOBHM with charming and hooking melodies. The strong and powerful impact of "Armor of the Gods" (that shows excellent guitars with that US Metal sound trademark), the charming melodies that "Frightmare" shows (along with great vocals), the oppressive weight of tempos that fills "Skinwalker" (the bass guitar and drums are really amazing here) and "Gallows Hill" (how these melodies can catch us by the heart so easily) are proof of a band that is still alive and has a lot of to say and to teach to the new generations. "World Destroyer" and "Glen of the Ghost" were recorded alive at Up the Hammers Festival (and mixed by Tom Beaujour) show how the band has a powerful energy on live presentations.

I'm late to know that ATTACKER is back and alive, and "Armor of the Gods" is a proof that they deserve to be heard for all Metal fans of that old and good US Metal from the 80's.