A newly founded Dutch Traditional Metal invasion or what? Maybe so, as I am sure that it would benefit the European Metal scene to have glorious past incursions back in the saddle. Hailing with their debut rather late in the 80's (actually it was 1989) in comparison to their stylish counterparts MARTYR, PICTURE and EMERALD, the determined JACKAL clearly had something to attest with their "Cry Of The Jackal" album, which was a self-release at the time. Right before Heavy Metal's critical decline juncture, this Dutch company sought to present the supremacy of NWOBHM along with various of other European melodic and rhythmic alignments, inspirited by what seemed to be the selection of nostalgic group of that decade, which included foretastes of their own Metallic countrymen. All in all, the large majority of the Dutch scene in the reaches of the 80's felt British, as for JACKAL, they fluxed between early outer limits IRON MAIDEN and the freewheel burning of the twin guitar menace of JUDAS PRIEST. Pure Underground Records, following JACKAL's return to the Metal scene, reissued "Cry Of The Jackal" to commemorate a reinstated journey, while also presenting pre and post demo tracks as bonus material.

Though released in 1989, "Cry Of The Jackal" felt much earlier. Musically, ignoring the production that received a remastering renovation and virtually felt like something out of the end of that decade, JACKAL implemented redone versions of their earlier demos that will send you to the early to mid-80's, an enticing sensation of sharp edged riffery portraying straight up vision cradled by several challenging additions. Occasionally, the guys turned up the heat with full throttle proto Power / Speed Metal rhythm section proclamations that ignited energetic soloing or slicing licks of an impressive lead fretwork. Erwin Siereveld's vocals felt a bit flat on several occurrences, yet his abilities turned out to be quite notable, demonstrating a fine measure of skill. "Nightmare", resembling an old MERCYFUL FATE / KING DIAMOND tracker but with high level of musical sophistication that still preserved a fine outflow, is JACKAL's signals of development as a Post NWOBHM band, even assuming Progressive lines, showing the old arts of vintage Metal, melodic feistiness of classic nature, magical harmonic guitar moments and well written rhythms. The instrumental "Cry Of The Jackal" accentuated the band's vigorous British enchantments with interesting riffery, decisive rhythms and gratifying lead work. However, appearing boiling hot with their post album demo called "The Secret Inside", I found myself listening to gradually developed JACKAL. "Solution" maintained a considerable portion of the band's 80's attitude, nonetheless, I was embraced by a 70's Progressive Rock lines of RUSH but heavier of course. Possibly if RUSH wouldn't have gone too Poppy at about that time, I have the feeling that they would have sounded just like that. This is an amazing track, entailing of fine acoustic lines, catchy chorus of 70's origin, and a damn mid tempo soloing exertion. "Enchantress" in a way retained JACKAL's puncturing 80's vibe, even resembling SAVATAGE from time to time with a "Hall Of The Mountain King" haunt. Siereveld's vocal capabilities sounded better than ever and his band mates producing a smashing IRON MAIDEN instigations with appealing bass work and flexible guitaring. Nothing too memorable, but nonetheless artistic.

Essentially, I believe this album to be a must piece of history on every collector's selection. I also have to admit that the post demo of the debut upgraded this release extensively. Therefore, I suggest that you head over online and order yourself a copy.