Band:	Cloven Hoof
Album:	Heathen Cross
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	May 31, 2024
A review by:	AndyMetalFreak

01. Benediction
02. Redeemer
03. Do What Thou Wilt
04. Last Man Standing
05. Darkest Before The Dawn
06. Vendetta
07. Curse Of The Gypsy
08. Frost And Fire
09. Sabbat Stones
10. The Summoning

Yes, this is still Cloven Hoof, only they've developed a sudden urge of power after 45 years.

Most of us are likely familiar with the NWOBHM scene; when it comes to naming the most influential pioneering bands, names most likely to be at the tip of our tongues include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Saxon. However, there are many more groups from this scene of similar importance that perhaps go overlooked; for me, Cloven Hoof is one of those bands. During the 80s, they began to make a name for themselves with their first 3 albums: full-length debut Cloven Hoof (1984), Dominator (1988), and then A Sultan's Ransom (1989), the latter of which is still arguably the band's best release to date. Cloven Hoof would then unfortunately disband in 1990, only to return a decade later in 2000, from which point they have continued on ever since.

This brings you up to date, where we find ourselves presented with the British heavy metallers' ninth full-length offering Heathen Cross, which follows what many considered to be the slightly underwhelming Time Assassin. Despite the only original member remaining from the band's inception being bassist Lee Payne, can this latest offering mark a return to form? Well, with Jag Panzer vocalist Harry Conklin on board, you can at least expect that initial missing spark to be ignited somewhat. However, the first thing that really struck me about Heathen Cross was the actual album title itself, along with the track titles, which clearly suggest a fantasy-based or witchcraft theme to me, and with a US power vocalist at the helm, perhaps one might expect a kind of Cirith Ungol approach? Well, that's not all that far off.

Immediately going along the lines of medieval witchcraft, featuring the sound of a church organ and choir, is the short opening intro "Benediction", which sets the tone for the theme ahead, and this intro leads directly into "Redeemer", a song that really does redeem some of the band's old former glory. Kickstarted with some great traditional heavy galloping riffs, this song is led by a classic heavy driving rhythm section that continues throughout the track, and features Harry Conklin's trademark screeches and high-pitched squeals that also bring a touch of US power to the equation; this is mostly highlighted during the super catchy chorus, which the remainder of the album has an abundance of.

From here on, the album continues in steady but fine form, minus a few mediocre tracks along the way ("Vendetta" in particular); there's certainly moments that bring back the 80s heavy metal glory days, from the occultist lyrical content (particularly on tracks such as "Do What Thou Wilt") in the vein of Mercyful Fate, to the catchy arena anthem that is the Rainbow/Dio-inspired "Last Man Standing". With that, there's even sprinkles of power metal to be found, "Darkest Before The Dawn" being a prime example, and this mighty combination of traditional heavy metal and US power is more than likely to satisfy old-school metalheads.

Whilst the majority of the album ranges somewhat from mediocre to decent, there are in fact 2 songs that standout for me most of all. Firstly "Curse Of The Gypsy", which I must say is the closest song on the album to being ballad-like: despite it being far from one of the band's all-time best songs, it certainly breaks the album's mould as it contains some of its most striking features, the several acoustic sections and vocal performance in particular standing out. Secondly is "Sabbat Stones", which for me is definitely the highlight song; this perhaps due to the fact it brings a glimpse of Judas Priest through its lightning shredding leads, heavy catchy riffs, and overall highly energetic performance.

Overall, Heathen Cross is a more-than-reasonable effort, or at least a better offering than the previous few in my opinion. The band is 5 years off a half-century, and although they don't quite match the godly standards of the seemingly immortal Judas Priest, they still prove they can live up to their name and keep British heavy metal alive and kicking.