Dark Forest - Dawn of Infinity

Dude, do you like NWOBHM tunes? Have I got a band for you!I have gone on record as being in favor of bands that sound just like the bands they apparently idolize. I've got no problem with the likes of Barn Burner, Airbourne or Dark Forest. My only opinion on the subject at large is simply don't suck at it, and don't just regurgitate existing songs, at least try to be as original as you can considering that you're clearly influenced by other great bands. There's actually something cool about the way bands like the aforementioned pay homage to bands that can't be around forever - and may not even sound remotely like they did in their prime. It's a sort of carrying of the torch as far as I'm concerned, and more power to 'em.

In the case of Dark Forest and their 2nd full-length album, Dawn of Infinity, we've got a clear case of Iron Maiden-influenced lads who make some really enjoyable music in the venerable NWOBHM genre. Nothing to blow you away - or be ignored, if you're a fan of classic Maidenesque tunes, especially since vocalist Will Lowry-Scott clearly seems to be the lost younger brother of Bruce Dickinson ('Goose' Dickinson?).

The Bottom Line: If you're a fan of NWOBHM music and want to feel like you've stepped into a parallel dimension at some Iron Maiden soundcheck, circa 1985, this is your next purchase. Great old school tunes from some talented guys.

Songs to Plant Your Foot on a Monitor To: Hourglass, The Tor, Through the Glass Darkly, Black Delta

- Genghis is all ready to up the irons this August...