German Metal has always been a very important part of the European Heavy Metal history. And that does extend until today. And seeing how many releases there are nowadays, you will regularly find new German Metal blood between them. As it should be. For the last eight years the band TURBOKILL has made themselves a part of that legacy. The band from Annaberg-Buchholz in Saxony is back with their latest and second album “Champion”. It has been six years since their first offering “Turbokill”, which was an EP. It also has been five years since they first have us listen to their debut album “Vice World”. Their brand of music they bring to us is Melodic Heavy Metal with Epic and even Gothic elements weaved in.

As I haven’t heard their debut album, “Champion” is my first encounter with TURBOKILL. And one thing becomes very clear from the very first listen; these guys know how to write and play bloody good riffs. Rather high paced, very intense and drenched with class. The good thing is that on “Champion” they have been able to incorporate them into the songs in a very impressive manner. It is definitely a strengthening factor within the music. The same goes for the vocals of Stephan Dietrich. He really is a very good vocalist, who can sing from mid rage to high, and all very clear and precise.

With all this praise I am assembling you would think that TURBOKILL has produced a world class album. That would have bee true if they wouldn’t have messed up a lot of the choruses. They are too childish, with a too high percentage of sing along capacities. They remind me of Studio 100 (for those in the Benelux) and the kids-oriented girl group K3. On the other hand, some choruses are alright, like on “Champion” (this one’s on the edge), the one in “Wings Of The Thunder Hawk” is rather good and “Mirage Mirror” has a killer chorus. The latter is an example of how they should have dressed up all the choruses. It would have taken my view on “Champion” from a decent album to a top rate one. On basis of the riffs and singing on it’s  what would have been deserved. This is my opinion, something I feel. If you are of a different opinion, be my guest and please listen to “Champion”. It is a testament to how good musicians TURBOKILL are. Now they need to perfect their song writing.