Headsplit Records

Musically, it’s a relatively straightforward mix of NWOBHM worship and straightforward rock and roll, tempered with Black’s requisite dark and introspective lyrics. That darkness makes it tempting to think of this as a continuation of Dawnbringer (that hammer in the promo image seems like a deliberate callback to the cover of Night of the Hammer), but Black is eschewing most of that project’s ‘epic’ tendencies right now. These songs are concise, to the point, and packed with hooky riffs and choruses. In that sense, it’s more tempting to think of this as a sort-of dark reflection of his more optimistic work in High Spirits. That description won’t mean anything to anyone who hasn’t ever delved into Black’s expansive and rewarding discography. To those people I say: This is a stellar introduction to the work of a remarkable songwriter.

Listen:
https://heavymetalismyway.bandcamp.com/album/you-bastard