SIREN has been in the metal realms since 1981 and rode the waves of the Floridian traditional heavy metal scene furiously back in the day. In a short time, the band amassed loyal fans around the world and despite releasing some quality singles and demos, sadly called it a day in the early '90's. However, hungry metalheads rejoiced when SIREN unexpectedly reformed in 2018 - performing at a prestigious festival in Germany - and off the back of their welcome return have released the sophomore full-length, "A Mercenary's Fate".

So, what can we expect from the old guard in the now NWOTHM? Well, plenty of progressive elements to nostalgic 80's heavy metal for a start, and a pure, unadulterated onslaught of fistfuls of heavy metal aggression that'll get your blood pumping, your neck engaged to be wrecked, and your fists clenched ready to fight with all your metallic fury... and that's just for starters! Each of the eleven tracks are backboned by chugging, melodic riffs that get your feet tapping and your head nodding; "Soul Breaker" instantly crushes your soul with its heady, heavy NWOBHM style riffs of destruction, as does "City of the Lost Souls" (which squeezes the life out of a killer guitar solo), and don't even get me started on the melange of Udo-meets-David Wayne-meets-Biff Byford sounding vocals! "Slaughterbots" delivers the goods once more in the earworm riff department, executing an apocalyptic 'machines take over the world Terminator style' feeling track in the vein of something as anthemic as PRIEST's catalogue. Seriously, even the darkest of black hearts and sternest of faces will crack at the fierce heavy metal love in "A Mercenary's Fate"!

Everything about this dazzling full-length is pure muscle and brawn, with SIREN showcasing some seriously moreish musicianship throughout. From the magnificently feisty "Queen of Sin" (which is just as lascivious in tone as you'd expect with a title like that), to the nasty gallop of the title-track, SIREN consistently has its guns blazing and the heavy metal artillery at the helm of its work. The shriek of Doug Lee's vocals is a constant delight to the ears, with his thunderous and anvil-heavy tones carrying the gargantuan weight of the epic musicianship effortlessly. Tracks like "One Man's Fight" deliver apt certitude with his bellowing aggression, whilst the constant snarl of "I Am the Wolf" flashes its sharp teeth and slaps its muscular chops. And let's not omit a mention the exquisite drum show on offer throughout the album, with "Welcome to the Grave" delivering some killer fills and some quality double kicks for good measure.

After years out of the game, SIREN show that its still oozing in heavy metal prowess in spades in "A Mercenary's Fate". Polished production ensures an exceptionally high-quality listen, but with enough character and brewing atmosphere intact to enjoy a masterful hunk of meaty heavy metal. If you adore vocals and musical flair with more power and heat than a jet engine slathered in napalm, you'll fall in love with this record.<