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DRAGONSCLAW
Moving Target

High Roller (2025)
Rating: 8/10

Just look at that throwback cover art, which conjures images of 1986 and maybe a band like New York metallers Cities. Dragonsclaw are a Sydney, Australia-based combo and Moving Target is only their third full-length album in 15 years. The band started out in 2011 with Prophecy, which was followed two years later with Judgement Day.

Dragonsclaw seemed to vanish in 2013, but then from out of nowhere in July 2025 the band re-emerged armed with a new single, ‘Don’t Break The Silence Again’, which was followed quickly by two more singles: ‘Cry Wolf’ and ‘Survival’. All three of those songs appear here and they are a trio of pure 80s metal nostalgia but delivered with such sincerity and power.

One shouldn’t be surprised by the quality of this album. After all, New Zealand-born vocalist Giles Lavery (Jack Starr / Warlord, / Alcatrazz / ex-White Wizzard) is at the helm. His tones are rich and organic, firing the band into what should be stratospheres of success, but alas, Dragonsclaw seems more of a side project. Even so, this is an album which ripples with quality and features a batch of memorable songs which sizzle the eardrums. If you like bands such as Riot or the more obvious Iron Maiden, then I’d certainly recommend you lend an ear to this.

Dragonsclaw also boasts echoes of Dio, Judas Priest and Warlord, although that’s no surprise considering the connections here. The band shifts effortlessly between pace (‘(Tell Me) All Your Lies’) and nostalgic mid-tempo melody (‘Cry Wolf’) to create incredibly atmospheric and tight metal compositions.

This is arguably one of the most consistent releases of the year, graced by the presence of Riot V frontman Todd Michael Hall who provides guest vocals on the scorching ‘Shadowfire’ which is drizzled with some stunning axe work. There’s not a filler track on here and some of the choruses are pure ear candy, best example being ‘Don’t Break The Silence Again’ with its steady sublime swagger.

To an extent I compare this album, at times, to the first two Wanted albums I raved out. So deliciously melodic and mature beyond their years, but both Wanted and Dragonsclaw deserve far more recognition because the quality is so high. Sure, the 80s influences are abundant, but when delivered with such sincerity it’s impossible not to rock along. The guitar tone throughout is sumptuous, almost floating on songs such as ‘Back On The Streets’. There are some driving anthems too; ‘Raise Your Fist’ echoes Queensrÿche, wrapping you up in its warm tender petals of metal.

These are the sort of albums which well and truly keep the true spirit of metal alive, and the least you can do, as a fan, is buy it and spread the word.

Neil Arnold

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