DRAGONSCLAW returns after 12 years with their third album “Moving Target”. Since formed back in 2010, these Aussie fanatics are playing traditional Heavy Metal finely blended with melody and groove.
Surely it’s roots are deep in the Australian Hard Rock and Pub Rock tradition of the 1970s and the American and British Heavy Metal scenes with influences spanning from Riot to Warlord, to Judas Priest till Dio, Iron Maiden, Lizzy Borden, Crimson Glory and everything else in between.
It’s easy to say their native legends of Buffalo, Rose Tatto, AC/DC, Billy Thorpe and many others might have did their part in forming their heavy tastes from the hey days. None can deny that, Australian Heavy Metal and Rock, have some electrifying sensationalism that always feels unique and traditional of its own kind.
And, Dragonsclaw which spearheaded by talented Giles Lavery – vocalist known for his work with Warlord, Alcatrazz, and Jack Starr – seems like hell bent again of making their thrilling blend of Classic Metal influences with modern production to remind all again of their forces and qualities.
Lavery aptly hinted first about the record, as if Judas Priest had crafted a record between “Defenders Of The Faith” and “Turbo”, rinsed with Dio’s powerful mind grabbing melodies.
The lineup boasts guitarists Ben Thomas and Aaron Thomas on bass, alongside Warlord’s Mark Zonder on drums, and keyboards by Alcatrazz’s Jimmy Waldo, creating a tight and compelling foundation.
Holding 9 tracks with a playing time of just over 40 minutes, the first three tracks as ‘The Road Beneath Your Wheels’, ‘Survival’, ‘Cry Wolf’ should give away the taste of what’s captured inside.
And as soon as came the hooking banger ‘Don’t Break the Silence Again’, then those who adore heavy sound to the heart should murmur inside – ‘..it’s a wonderful sound, and some thrilling good music to sing that sticks in mind and calls for many repeats’.
The record progress with thumping ‘Back on the Streets’ which will surely sway heads with its catchy hooks and the soaring vocal delivery. The following ‘Ghost Soldiers’ bursts out with that edge and sensation that all desires from this genre and it express not only about the excellent song writing strength of the band, also marks maturity of the group.
Later, fast-paced ‘Shadowfire’ featuring guest vocals from Todd Michael Hall, added more flairs and should entice all heads to roll with the hooking passages and crisp melody it carries. From there, ‘(Tell Me) All Your Lies’ roared thorough the speakers with its catchy, Maiden-esque tune finely polished by co-producer Thomas Mergler.
The fitting closer ‘Raise Your Fist’ rolls in swiftly with an excellent solo to remember which no wonder will entice for few more repeats. The overall warm and high octane production did the work to capture the energy, atmosphere and feeling, that the band intended.
The musicianship throughout is precise and passionate, perfectly complementing Lavery’s vocal range—like a compelling mix of Michael Kiske’s clarity, Geoff Tate’s intensity, Ronnie James Dio’s power and obviously the inherent Aussie grittiness and personality are evident.
The track titles and the lyrics sang on fantasies and beyond showed the band craft in doing so over decades.
Reflecting that, this record strives through driving riffs, soaring vocals, strong tasty bass lines and blending of keyboards with style, together gives away a haunting, atmospheric experience reminiscent of the golden eras of all things heavy and magical with the soaring energy of modern era.
With an attention grabber cover art, Dragonsclaw latest offering “Moving Target” is more than a nostalgic trip; it’s a confident, well-crafted album that respects its roots while pushing forward the growing of the band as a force to be reckon, though they were sleeping for long.
This record is forged to shock ears and expectations of all possessed fanatics of Classic Heavy Metal, Old School Hard Rock and obscure acts, and surely poised to become one of the best releases of this year and beyond.
Keep your eyes open to grab a copy, as the revered High Roller Record will soon make this record available worldwide on CD and LP.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. The Road Beneath Your Wheels
02. Survival
03. Cry Wolf
04. Don't Break the Silence Again
05. Back on the Streets
06. Ghost Soldiers
07. Shadowfire
08. (Tell Me) All Your Lies
Dragonsclaw – Moving Target 2025
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