I am thoroughly speechless. I never thought this would ever happen. Who could have thought that a relatively young band from Burbank, near Los Angeles in the United States Of America, would leave me flabbergasted? Well, I say new, but BLAKEARTH have been around since , but only now have released their first ep, called "Earth Fragments", through the mighty PURE STEEL RECORDS. I feel I owe you an explanation as to why I am struggling to control my emotions and senses.

Let me start by saying that BLAKEARTH plays eighties style US Metal. So, powerful guitars, very stimulating bass lines, overly enthusiastic drums and rather distinguishable and extremely good sounding vocals. So far, so good. A lot of bands have managed that over the years, and some very successfully. Up and until now there's nothing there to describe what it is that has me floating above my desk chair.

Ever heard of MALICE? Yes, I am referencing to the one that that did "In The Beginning" in 1985 and "Licenced To Kill" in 1987. Well, if you don't look them up an have a listen. And then listen to BLAKEARTH. If you do remember them, your hairs might be staring to stand on end right now, especially when I tell you that "Earth Fragments" sounds like the natural progression from the albums mentioned. The sound as well as the voice will set you back over 35 years.

And you will be filled with joy, as the songs on offer, which clock some 24 minutes, are bloody good too. What am I saying, they are easily just as good as anything MALICE had to offer. And I have always been an avid admirer of MALICE, I am thoroughly enjoying them time and time again. I guess it's not an exaggeration  when I say that I have listened to "Earth Fragments" at least 25 times before starting this review. I really can't get enough of the music.

So, if you are one of those people who lives in the current times, enjoys them to the fullest, but is also interested in what has been the history of good Heavy Metal, you just have to go out and have a listen to BLAKEARTH and their EP "Earth Fragments". It is just too good to ignore. And if you love this as much as I do, look back to the albums I mentioned. You'll be able to find some more treasure. Because that is what "Earth Fragments" is, a treasure. Thankfully brought to us by BLAKEARTH. Now it is just a matter of not very patiently waiting for a full album. It needs to be done!