Dirty Pagans – Forever High
Review by: Shell Dahlia (instagram)
Review Score: 7.5
Adelaide formed, self dubbed riff’n’rollers ‘DIRTY PAGANS’ have just released their highly anticipated second full length album ‘FOREVER HIGH.’ As the name suggests, this is an album best served after sparking up a number and plonking yourself in a carry comfortable position in preparation to ride the groove train.
Although they have only been on the scene since 2016, their winning formula has won the hearts of many. Their releases so far, ‘Dirty Pagans’ (2017) EP, Volume 1 (2021) EP and full length album ‘The Family,’ comprises their iconic epic riffs, thunderous drums and epic ascending vocals. The success of their previous releases along with their ability to blow the roof off venues witty their ‘louder than life’ live performances has landed them impressive supports so far such as, John Garcia (USA), Living Colour (USA), The Night Flight Orchestra (SWE) and fresh off the tour with Glen Hughes of Deep Purple fame. Having already built up such a large amount of popularity in such a small amount of time, it’s no secret that fans had ‘high’ expectations for this newest addition to their discography and ‘DIRTY PAGANS’ have not disappointed. ‘FOREVER HIGH’ is the band’s most adventurous, dynamic and well produced album to date.
The opening track ‘Blood of Babylon’ opens with catchy muffled riffs, similar to what you would find on a ‘BLACK SABBATH’ album, simple yet satisfying. The vocals then chime in, gritty shouts about the dark themes of war. This track immediately shows listeners they are pushing boundaries with their lyrical themes and touching on serious, problematic, real-life issues in society.
The second track ‘You Will Know My Name’ opens with delightful ‘guitarnomies’ followed by a primal scream as a display of power and strength which is the perfect set-up for the theme of this song. Then when audiences are settled in, ‘Matty Dee’ (vocals) unleashes sky high power vocals which will have you smiling from ear to ear. ‘Matty Dee’s’ use of impossibly high vocals is one of the things that really won me over with this album, it adds drama and an element of fun.
We then get to the next song which was the band’s second single release plating the role of a teaser perfectly. This song is the perfect example of why the band self proclaims themselves as ‘riff’n’roll,’ with hoofbeat chugs immediately roping listeners in. An unsettling riff is the perfect set-up for the heavy themes ahead, ‘Killer In the Night.’ The song explores repression, identity, and violence-told through the story of a murder on a subway. The riffs continue to coil through the song like swirling ghosts of galloping warhorses. Then, just when you thought ‘Matty Dee’ couldn’t take his vocals any higher, we get higher! Vocals are taken to the unbelievable heights similar to what you find on ‘Cowboys From Hell,’ one of my favourite ‘PANTERA’ albums. This cherry on top makes this one of my favourite tracks on the album.
The album then cools down with a lighter hearted, tongue in cheek track ‘DTM (Dump Truck Mumma)’ which oozes ‘IRON MAIDEN,’ elevated by an impressive solo. The album then flows into the next track ‘I Am The One.’ This song uses the technique of repetition for dramatic impact. For people who are not accustomed to this classic technique, it may be slightly monotonous as variation in the song is kept minimal. The album then gets a melodic hit with ‘Morana.’ The drawn out clean notes are reminiscent of vocals found on a ‘BLACK SABBATH’ album, again igniting a nostalgic fire.
‘Big City Dead In the Eyes’ has the perfect build up intro, axing on instruments incrementally, drums starting of soft then exploding with earth shattering pounds. Vocals surprise listeners as they take on a completely different sound which reminds me of the gritty shrieks found on a ‘3 INCHES OF BLOOD’ album. The song then takes an unexpected turn with a somber, psychedelic solo, making it the most dynamic, standout track on the album.
The grand finale ‘FOREVER HIGH’ showcases the bands newest edition’s talent. ‘Gareth Briggs’ (drums) displays his ability to control the power of his hits which is the true star of the show in this song. ‘Greg Challis’ (lead guitar) also shows off his best, his lightning fast shredding makes it the ultimate show stopper and perfect closer for the album. Although the band cleverly took inspirations from a range of bands and married them well I did find it lacking a bit of originality in some areas, impacting my final score for this album.
If you’re all about the old school rock’n’roll, this album will please you on every level. With so many different components and techniques used throughout the album, you are guaranteed to ‘FOREVER HIGH’ from start to finish. So make yourself comfortable and strap in for one hell of a riff’n’roll ride.
Album available for streaming and check out upcoming tour dates for ‘DIRTY PAGANS’ on their social media pages and at ‘Cult Etiquette.’
Band line-up:
Matty Dee – Rhythm and vocals
James Russo – Bass and vocals
Greg Challis – Lead guitar
Gareth Briggs – Drums
Social Media links
http://www.facebook.com/dirtypagans
https://www.instagram.com/dirtypagans?igsh=bGhyNGZwcWwwZTZk
https://linktr.ee/dirtypagans
PR – Glenn Dyson dysie_pr@cultetiquette.com.au