When you find out a band comes from Canada, it usually means that you will not find fault with the sound quality and the capabilities of the band members. I am very glad to be able to tell you that this certainly is the case with TOWER HILL, who only have been active since 2020. They are from Edmonton in Alberta, and released their “Fighting Spirits” demo in 2021. Now I am listening to their debut album “Deathstalker”, which is filled to the 44 minutes plus brim in such a way that I like listening to the whole album.

Before you ask, TOWER HILL play pure Heavy Metal with a lot of Melody. As simple as that. According to the Metal Archives the themes they use are war, mythology and drinking. Three subject that could go very well together. You only have to read Lord Of The Rings to see all of the above pass by from time to time. And yes, the way that TOWER HILL plays their music you can only conclude that it all fits together quite nicely. The songs are all in the same vein, all have that underlying bit of tension that makes you wonder when the bomb is about to burst.

Well, I hate to say it, but it never does on “Deathstalker”. Whereas I thoroughly enjoy listening to the album in itself, I feel the band has played it just that bit too safe. They have decided not to colour outside the lines. I find that disappointing, as the music of TOWER HILL in general, and specifically on “Deathstalker” really does lend itself to let loose from time to time. Good example is “Kings Who Die”, a very energetic song, but with addition of some double bass drums and a blistering solo it could have been spectacular.

Again, before you ask, yes, despite the slight criticism that I have been spewing, I really do like “Deathstalker” as an album. I only feel that if TOWER HILL had added some aggression (a little more oomph) to their Melodic Heavy Metal the album could have been spectacular. Then again, this is only their debut album, released on October 27th 2023. Let’s hope and expect them to listen and learn in the meantime until they are ready to let us experience their next record/ One can only hope that they will let the beast out then.