CD review ANCILLOTTI "Strike Back"

(7/10) Ancillotti is an Italian powerhouse that has nothing to do with bombast metal from Rhapsody or modern metal a la Lacuna Coil. This four-piece from Prato is into pure heavy metal that has a quite traditional touch. The first time I have seen the guys live was during last years 'Heavy Metal Maniacs' festival in Holland and I was impressed of their show. These guys, even though they might not be the youngest ones, filled the venue with raw power which was more than an animation for headbanging.

"Strike Back" is the title of their new album that comes with eleven new songs and one intro. After having listened to a swinging 20's intro the radio frequency changes dramatically. "To Hell With You" unleashed the Italian metal beast. The song is raw and uncompromising. The following "Immortal Idol" is another riff rocker that includes a melodic component. It sounds bit unfinished in the bridge, however, it's real headbanging stuff. The faster "Fight" belongs again to the better songs on the album.

"Firestarter" and "When Night Calls", with some Kiss-crossreferences, are probably two of the most melodic tracks of Ancillotti . Not bad, but I prefer Ancillotti's metal side. Fortunately this facette comes back to surface with "Burn, Witch, Burn" - a headbanger that sticks like a wet spaghetti on the wall.

"Strike Back" isn't an album that's written for scientific metal professors. This album is unbound and authentic. But I also have to say that I had the band's sound heavier in mind.  Anyhow, good stuff from the underground.

(7/10)

Tracklist:

1. Intro
2. To Hell With You
3. Immortal Idol
4. Fight
5. Firestarter
6. The Beast is Rising
7. When Night Calls
8. Burn, Witch, Burn
9. Loenly Road
10. Life is for Livin'
11. Never Too Late
12. The Hunter

Label: Pure Steel Records

Genre: Heavy Metal

Release Date EU: September 16th, 2016