Desert Claw
Neuroblade

NEUROBLADE are a Belgian project by two members. A summary of the info that came with the music: Jochen Mouton is involved with ENCHANTRESS and David Vandewalle is part of SHOCKER. They both were looking for a new challenge, and in 2023 they decided to start something together, as they were unwilling to let their musical ideas fade away. Once they had recorded five songs, they were questioning what to de next. The answer was simple; We decided to have the songs mixed/mastered and released under the musical project name NEUROBLADE naming the EP "Desert Claw".
As for a musical direction, the answer is also rather straight forward. This is pure Heavy Metal, with the main body of inspiration the first two albums of CRIMSON GLORY, only just a bit heavier. So, “Desert Claw” sounds rather pompous, really theatrical, somewhat emotional, but also stomping where possible. And the title song is the heaviest of them all. In a little over 23 minutes this duo is making my spine tingle from excitement. The riffs that NEUROBLADE uses are electrifying and a confirmation that these guys are really good in translating their ideas to their instruments. What does help is the addition of the multi layered vocals, making the CRIMSON GLORY connection even more evident. You will hear lower and higher pitched vocals working together without being in each other’s way.
As for the music itself, it will transport you band to the second half of the eighties, but it also exudes a contemporary feel. NEUROBLADE have been able to catch the right vibe for their impressive Heavy Metal with a sound to boot, making the picture whole and complete. I don’t know how they have done it, but they have been able to construct, rehearse, play and record their music in such a way that I can only decide that “Desert Claw” is a bloody good EP, worthy of the attention of every self-respecting Heavy Metal afficionado. With all the info that was with the NEUROBLADE music it didn’t mention anywhere whether these guys will ever be playing live or if they will keep on making music together under this name. I really do hope they will answer yes to both questions, because I have a feeling that it will blow the audience away when they are on stage. And I am sure that if they improve and ripen with age, NEUROBLADE could grow into a force of its own. They have made a really impressive start with “Desert Claw”.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production

"Desert Claw" Track-listing:
1. Endless Slaughter
2. Avalon
3. Desert Claw
4. In The Darkness Of My Mind
5. Left Behind
Neuroblade Lineup:
David Vandewalle – All music
Jochen Mouton - Vocals
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