Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: STORMCHILD; signed via Skol Records, hailing from England in Bolton/Lancashire, performing Heavy Metal - on their debut album entitled: "Lightning Never Strikes Twice" (released November 22nd, 2019).

Since formation in 1978 until 1982; the 5-piece quintet have only released a Split which is entitled: "Rockin' Steady Last Night" (released in 1982), a Single entitled: "Rockin' Steady" (released on May 22nd, 1982) & a Compilation entitled: "Maiden Voyage" (released January 19th, 2012). A very long, but bizarre hiatus inbetween each of these releases...of which they have done again in the year of 2019. Originally released independently last year on July 31st, 2018 - Skol Records have acquired the rights to publish their new debut album entitled: "Lightning Never Strikes Twice". 12 tracks ranging at around 58:23; STORMCHILD arrange an intricately designed formula of hard-hitting Heavy Metal developments. "No Chances" begins the record; demonstrating amplified adrenaline, boistrously bouncy hooks & catchy instrumentation.

Consisting of Ian Bridge on vocals; the frontman distributes clean, high-putched lungs. Pipes of rawly rough substance, organic psychedelics & old-school quintessentials that showcase uniquely versatile vehemence. "Riders On The Rain" examines harmonic excellence; crafting creatively complex dynamics, dextrous keyboard implementations from Neil McCurley - as he elements a healthy dose of melodic orchestrations, while juxtaposed with the rapidly swift virtuosity from guitarist Geoff Harwood. Supplying thunderously meaty solidities, punchy yet meticulous foundations of blistering firepower & borderline crunchiness. "Lights, Camera, Action" harnesses quirky snappiness; portraying seamlessly sonic riffs, speedy solos & primitively momentous manifestations of profusely robust songwriting musicianship.

Audible bassist Joe Rodmell injects infectiously groovy thumpiness; pulsating with profusely robust styles of rich varieties, neo-classical fabrications & articulate immersivity. "Halloween" opens up with an acoustic intro; capturing fluidly polished sound production sharpness; slabbed with symphonic sublimity, transistioned with traditional shreds of rip roaring stability. While powerhouse pummeller Chris Mitchell embellishes on hammering drums into a barraged frenzy of flamboyant finesse. "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" examines on experimental rhythms; rambunctious surges of prestigious New Wave Of British Heavy Metal traits in a similar vein to that of Paul Di'Anno IRON MAIDEN era, amalgamating difficult high-tempo technicalities & rugged riffing prodegiously with mellifluent euphonics.

"Dreamer" enforces electrifying beats, moody vibes & enthralling fretwork distinctions combined with the ritualistic pursuits that embody inventive jumpiness with the killer licks that smother speakers with wildly rushing precision. Converging hints of atmospheric ambience, distinguished hymns of anthemic contrast & diligently detailed craftsmanship. "What To Try" composes ballad-esquire firepower; fuelled into a linear landscape of radio-friendly expertise...establishing gripping hooks, chugging gallops and those sometimes melancholic lyrics with mesmerizing results. "Stay With Me" shines with panache, striking sophistication & salubrious remarkability - soft rock remedies surround this selection of nimble yet hybridly dimensional flavours of enlightening & fulfilling attributes.

"When The Lights" ambitiously delivers more vintage material; still keeping a grandiose grandure of easy-listening conceptions, while revolved around a potentially talented outŕe of outlandish yet upbeat varieties. "Can't Stand The Heat" prominently maintains this skill with more of those refreshingly wacky keys; although at certain times they can feel a bit jaded with the almost 1 hour mark, with this progressive tactic & rumbling of silver-toned tempos - this method can however feel tedious, yet they subtly incorporate it brilliantly if that's your thing. The penultimate song: "Rockin' Steady" is a stereotypical rocker; while "Sands Of Time" overall concludes the record with its majestic whirlwind of mandatory epicness, I discovered an enjoyably entertaining band who certainly outdone themselves with this trailblazing release.

40 years in the making; produced and mastered by Chris Tsangarides (JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH, THIN LIZZY), Melodic British Metal for fans of PRAYING MANTIS, SARASEN, IRON MAIDEN etc. Cover artwork by Roberto Toderico (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, MYTHRA, QUARTZ) and another released of the respected Skol Records label (TITAN FORCE, S.A., SLAYER, POKOLGEP etc.) Bottom line; STORMCHILD definitely created a diverse debut, and is an experience that most metal maniacs should relish. For fans of the aforementioned bands, I would quickly check "Lightning Never Strikes Twice" out. It is quite the spectacle!