Review : WHITE WIZZARD – “Over The Top”

White Wizzard – Over The Top
released March 9, 2010 on Earache Records

White Wizzard has lived for three tumultuous years, on a quest to restore truth to the world of Metal. The band harks back some thirty years to the inception of the NWOBHM movement, channeling major players like Iron Maiden and Motörhead, in an effort to forge a sound of their own. While they certainly have the passion and the chops, only half of this debut full-length is strong enough to stand on its own.

It is astonishing that the band stands at all, given the fact that founder Jon Leon fired the three other dudes that comprised the initial incarnation of White Wizzard, who performed on 2009′s High Speed GTO EP. Leon writes the lion’s share of the material (music and lyrics) on Over The Top, so there is little mystery as to who runs the show. He may need to tap the other guys for inspiration next time, as the lyrics especially need development. For example, lead single “Over The Top”, is comprised entirely of heavy metal clichés (though I almost want to congratulate them for having the balls to utilize the (in)famous ‘fire-desire’ rhyme not once, not twice, but in the first three songs). I understand their usage but they cannot do this forever. The album’s most collaborative effort – the 7+ minute “Iron Goddess of Vengeance” – impresses with a driving bass gallop, Middle Eastern guitar flourishes, and a broad spectrum of vocals. Its might is only surpassed by their concluding eponymous track, and I’m glad their namesake is attached to a song of this caliber.

Make no mistake, this may be the most fun you have all year, if you only allow yourself the opportunity. See, the band was formed as a backlash to all the angsty, emo metal flooding the fair malls of America. Think they take themselves all that seriously? You’ve got another thing coming! One needs only to watch their videos to learn that fact. However, if White Wizzard can keep it together, I suspect monumental growth in the future.

FCC OK
Try 1, 2, 5, 8, 9

01. Over The Top
02. 40 Deuces
03. High Roller
04. Live Free Or Die
05. Iron Goddess Of Vengeance
06. Out Of Control
07. Strike Of The Viper
08. Death Race
09. White Wizzard

Rating : 3.5 / 5