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METALIAN
Beyond The Wall

Temple Of Mystery (2022)
Rating: 8/10

One of several bands to adopt this moniker, Canada’s Metalian are now onto their fourth full-length studio album since forming almost 20 years ago.

This is some decent, high energy metal that is happy to play up to the early New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene, as well as channelling early Accept, Megadeth and plenty of Judas Priest while cementing its place among the more modern outfits such as Cauldron.

Beyond The Wall is a record that you just have to go with and accept it for what it is; a high octane, driving and often fast-paced lightning bolt to the forehead. ‘Fire On The Road’ is a prime example of the fury of the band who are able to really express their power and passion due to the production dynamics whereby each instrument is on the level. The guitar work of Ian Wilson and Simon Costa is of particular note, being crisp, airy yet aggressive.

There’s a clear chemistry between the guys as they rumble effectively through the likes of ‘Last Chance To Ride’, ‘Motorhorse’ and ‘Cold Thunder’, all of which are the sort of no frills yet potent metal anthems you just want to drink and headbang too.

You’ll hear Motörhead and Tank influences too, but it’s all delivered with such conviction and passion as well as variety, as evidenced with the almost punky yet poppy ‘Dark City’ and the striding ‘Rise Of The AI’. These guys are also a good example as to how throwback metal can still sound fresh, and with this album Metalian hasn’t just gone beyond the wall, they’ve smashed it down..

Neil Arnold

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