Cloven Hoof – Heathen Cross
Review By: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 9
NWOBHM band Cloven Hoof are set to release their upcoming album Heathen Cross. This is a much anticipated project following up from the strong 2022 release Time Assassins which was well received by fans.nThis band has had many line up changes over their long history, breaking up briefly in 1990, reforming in the early 2000’s and keeping true to their many ‘Hoof’ fans managing to stay relevant and active.
Their new lead singer Harry ‘The Tyrant’ Conklin (Jag Panzer) is a world class vocalist and has fit in seamlessly. Bassist Lee Payne is quoted “His vocal performance [Harry Conklin] on the new album raises the band to new heights, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear him”. Chris Cross (guitar), Like Hatten (guitar), Ash Baker (drums and vocals), and Chris Dando (keyboards and vocals) round out this talented band and you can feel these guys have come to kick some ass.
The album begins with the ominous organ intro ‘Benediction’ that leads into a big classical sound, setting up the journey the listener is in for.
Second track ‘Redeemer’ has a killer drum beat and Conklin’s vocals sound amazing. Fantastic guitars and a great chorus rounds out this track as a soon to be fan favourite. ‘Do What Thou Wilt’ has a darker overtone with a cool distorted spoken work intro and the guitar riffs chug along. The vocals are amazing and that low bass thump makes this song one of my personal favourites. The chorus has a cool groove to it and I love the evil laugh at the end.
‘Last Man Standing’ has a heavy pounding intro and when the vocals cut in it gives you goosebumps. Such a cool song that would be an awesome addition to to a live set. This is another one of my favourites, I like the heavier ‘Hoof’ and this has a fist-pumping chorus . ‘Darkest Before The Dawn’ has that galloping traditional metal groove that has hints of Maiden in the guitar work. This is a fast track and Conklin’s voice soars.
‘Vendetta’ produces that earworm effect, having you humming it after the song is finished. This is another heavy track and the drums and bass really shine through with the gang vocals. I also love the possessed sounding vocals throughout. ‘Curse Of The Gypsy’ slows things down with a cool acoustic start to the song. This picks up a low tempo and creates such a cool mix between slow and heavy. Vocals again are spot on around the 2:30 mark, add to that a fast killer guitar solo that is awesome. This track has so many dimensions to it and has kind of a Dio vibe.
‘Frost And Fire’ is another strong vocalized track that also shows off how talented this band is. ‘Sabbat Stones’ has a wicked drum intro and when the heavy guitars cut in this song takes off. This track has more of a power metal vibe and is quite anthemic, again another favourite of mine. This will be an awesome song to see live as I can feel the crowd participation.
Last track ‘The Summoning’ is the longest track on the album clocking in at 6:04. This is a cool way to end off the album with such a memorable song that has everything. It’s a culmination of the whole album in one song… darker, slower then fast, cool bass and drum beats, killer guitar work and a superb vocal range.
This will easily make my top albums of 2024, it’s that awesome. I love it when a band bounces back from key member changes and creates such a passionate and relevant album keeping true to form celebrating what they do best… creating awesome heavy metal. I recommend this album for any metal fan who loves the traditional genre that pushes limits. Pick this album up and play it at eleven!
Heathen Cross is set to release May 31st, 2024 via High Roller Records. Pre-Order Here.