Lethal Saint – “Self-Titled”

On first impressions, Lethal Saint, the self-titled album from this Cyprus-based band could easily be a remnant from the British heavy metal scene of the 70s or 80s. The ‘Eye of the Tiger’ style introduction of “Chains of the Devil” paves the way for the rest of the tracks: it riffs and chugs along, though is undoubtedly a little overindulgent in a way that the prowess of the performance and production can’t quite live up to.

The vaguely off key lead vocal of “Final Prayer” and the ever-so-slightly out of time rhythm guitars of the third track, “Thunder Strikes” make the amateur nature of Lethal Saint especially clear, though on further inspection of the biography section on the band’s website it comes to light that they have an average age of just 20. Effectively, this album isn’t lacking due to any amateur status, it’s simply due to inexperience. And in light of that, on the whole it is thoroughly charming.

From a musical perspective, most notable are the soaring guitar solos from Christos Papadopoullos and Andreas Kasapis, a guitar partnership that evokes the sound of metal greats like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. The highlights of the record are probably the headbang-inspiring main riff of “Rock n Roll Survivor,” and the dual guitar solos on the final track, also titled “Lethal Saint”. The album’s moment of honorable mention has to be the irritatingly catchy chorus call of “Heavy metal knights are calling!” in track 5, “Heavy Metal Knights”.

For a young band’s debut album, it’s not terrible. It’s also not great, but credit where credit’s due – Lethal Saint have done a solid job. Their eponymous debut is unlikely to break any ground, but it’s a promising start.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Chains of the Devil
02. Final Prayer
03. Thunder Strikes
04. Evil Inside
05. Heavy Metal Knights
06. You’re a Sinner
07. Night of the Sin
08. Rock ‘N’ Roll Survivor
09. Visions in the Night
10. Midnight Warriors
11. Wild in the Night
12. Lethal Saint

Run Time: 1:10:50
Release Date: 02.09.2010