I actually asked for the latest BLACKSLASH album for reviewing as I really loved their 2015 album “Sinister Lightning” and rewarded it a very good rating. I loved the fact that they were able to mix their Melodic Rock with pure Heavy Metal, giving it that bit of an extra edge in comparison to many of their compatriots. Also, I guess I was expecting and hoping that in the ten years since that one was released the band would have grown, in musical prowess as well as sound. Their latest effort on world domination, “Heroes, Saints & Fools” should be able to give me the answers I am looking for. This German Melodic Heavy Metal band from Donaueschingen, Baden Württemberg has given us their brand of music for some eighteen years now, and with this album the count is at five full-length albums and three EP’s. BLACKSLASH is not exactly overflowing us with music, but on the other end of the spectrum they are not being idle either.

So, let’s start by writing this review. What gets to me straight away is that the sound of “Heroes, Saints & Fools” is crisp, clear and transparent, so without fault. That does make listening to Melodic Heavy Metal a lot more interesting, but also a lot easier, as everything you like is very much on display, as are the elements that don’t excite you as much. As for the musicians, they are all very capable of playing their music, and the singer Clemens Haas has that kind of voice that is very pleasant to listen to. And as usual with Melodic Heavy Metal, the choruses are easy to sing along to, are able to embed themselves into your brain with ease.

So far, I am enjoying what I am listening to, but somehow my fire is not being lit extra hot. Somewhere along the line I have to admit to myself that I can’t seriously hear or feel the growth I was hoping for. BLACKSLASH haven’t receded in quality, but they also haven’t progressed. They have kept it as it was, at a constant, if you will. The songs are decent, strong and dependable. Unfortunately, “Heroes, Saints & Fools” is lacking that air of suspense, excitement and exceptional quality to hold my attention as well as I wished it would. And although that might be enough for some of the readers of my reviews and listeners of their music, to me it just means that BLACKSLASH haven’t met my expectations. And that is always disappointing.