Heavy Metal in its most traditional form is suffering mutations since acts as ACCEPT released “Restless and Wild”, METAL CHURCH released “Metal Church” and “The Dark”, and JUDAS PRIEST with “Painkiller”: the genre gained aggressiveness on its approach, but still retaining its melodic traits. Even after all this time, things are becoming heavier and more aggressive, even when the bands keep catching melodies and hooking choruses. A fine example of such evolution can be heard on “Resurrection”, the third and latest full-length of the German quintet BLACK & DAMNED.

Stefan Leibing (former PRIMAL FEAR guitarist and known producer who worked previously with HOLY MOTHER and PRIMAL FEAR on studio) produced, mixed and mastered the songs (with the helping hand of Eric Leibing on the sound engineering), and the result is excellent: a ‘thick’, heavy and aggressive sonority that is defined and allows the melodies of the band’s music to flow free. As guests, here are Bastian Rose (of VANISH) on the backing vocals, and Stefan (the producer) did all the keyboards parts.

As a German act, the quintet bears a load of melodic tendencies, along with very good technique in all instruments. But everything on their music - a form of traditional Heavy Metal with touches of Power Metal - sounds heavier and aggressive, spewing tons of musical weight and melodies under an aggressive insight. But even with a formula that isn’t new, they show personality, and it’s almost impossible to resist their musical efforts! It’s not a mere coincidence that their musical work could be said as a personal combination of aspects usual to be heard on works of IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH and HELLOWEEN.

“Silence Breaker”, “Ruthless Wrath”, “Red Heavens”, “Bound by the Moon”, “Circle of Amnesia”, “Injustice”, “Searing Flames”, “Shadows”, “Reborn in Solitude” and “Navigate Me to the Sun” are charming songs that sometimes are heavier and full of energy, on others are more climatic, and on others bears a melancholic touch. Great and catchy choruses, melodies that entangle the fans at first listen, and an elegant (and abrasive) outfit are heard throughout the songs, so be prepared.

“Resurrection” represents a climax for the band, a peak of its musical talent, but it seems that BLACK & DAMNED is just beginning to show its potential.