LORD VULTURE is a Dutch Old School Heavy Metal (OSHM) band that has been around since 2010. They have quite the loyal following in the Netherlands and Belgium. That is mainly due to the very rewarding albums they produced in the first four years. “Beast Of Thunder” (2010), “Never Cry Wolf” (2011) and “Will To Power” (2014) are very commendable albums with solid OSHM. Now, some nine years later, the band is letting us enjoy a live show as it was recorded in Belgium. The result on “Live ‘Em Up” is at the least very honest. Any faults, discrepancies or mistakes are left where they were made. Plus, as a Dutch speaking band playing in the Flemish part of Belgium, the comments by the singer are all done in Dutch. So, to the people who don’t speak my language, it might sound like gibberish. Let me just say that everything said is very complimentary towards the audience, organisers and Heavy Metal fans in general.

As for the recording, it is crisp and clear. The sound is very good. You can easily establish that when listening to LORD VOLTURE we are dealing with a very experienced band. Judging by what I hear on “Live ‘Em Up” we are listening to a tight group of musicians who are very confident about themselves and their fellow band members. I have to admit I like that a lot, because that means that the pleasure of playing live is almost palpable during the whole album. You just feel the enthusiasm of the band that is radiating all through the music. It puts a smile on my face, that is sure.

As for the music itself, will I classify it as good? In my case I would rather call it solid, like the LORD VOLTURE albums were. For the more adventurous of us this might sound just a bit too straight forward, but for those who enjoy a good old fashioned Heavy Metal show that you can raise your fist to and headbang at will, this is pure heaven. I myself find myself in the middle, meaning that if I were to see LORD VOLTURE live, I would be thoroughly enjoying myself. I would be tapping my foot, banging my head and participating where possible. But as a reviewer I feel that there is something lacking. The reason for that is the small matter of diversity. When I listen to “Live ‘Em Up” for the umpteenth time, it gets stale. But then again, I am an Old School Heavy Metal fan, but I also like a bit of variety when I listen to it at home. So, you need to decide for yourself where you stand, just like I have.