And finally, the highlights: ''Livin' Without Fear'', ''Phoenix on Fire'' and ''Heart of Tokyo''. The lyrics, while dealing with stereotypical subjects, are actually good, especially the ones on ''Phoenix on Fire'' and ''Quest for Hades''. The band performance is very convincing and professional, no half-assed delivery anywhere to be found. Luckily, on ''Heads Will Roll'' there are more good than bad songs, and after all you can call this a worthy debut.įirst, the good aspects. That's the trap that Katana didn't completely manage to avoid, since there are some great songs here, but some fillers as well. When it's good, it's mind-blowing, but when it's bad, it's bland and annoying.
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With all that in mind, it's as clear as day that Katana's music is made to entertain, with no pretensions to be something it's not, and that's another plus for them.īut this kind of music is a double-edged sword. Other than '80s influence, you can clearly hear Hammerfall's influence as well, reflecting in Johan Bernspång's voice (reminding of Joacim Cans) and anthemic, sing-along choruses that are present in most of the songs. Musically, this album resembles metal's most glory days in the '80s, and is yet another proof how supposedly surpassed and retrograde music can be powerful with modern production, and more importantly, way better than today's mainstream poor excuse for music. Likewise, Katana took lyrical themes from NWOBHM, glorifying liberty, rebellion and passion for living. Several riffs and bridges (the best ones, actually) are bloody similar to Maiden's trademark riffing with a dead-on sense for melody. Like I said, the Maiden factor is very important for Katana's music. Katana has all of that, and aren't afraid of using them.
It's not great, has some significant flaws, but damn, this band know exactly what heavy metal is all about - fun, passion and attitude.
I said ''count me in'' and before you know it, I ended up with their debut album, ''Heads Will Roll''. When I came across Katana, I thought they have a fucking cool name and found out that they play classic, '80s/Maiden influenced heavy metal. I discovered this band not long ago, when I roamed on YouTube aimlessly.
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