Band:	Spirit Adrift
Album:	Hot & Heavy: Live In Tejas
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	February 02, 2024
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. Sorcerer's Fate
02. Barn Burner
03. Forge / Siren
04. Hanged Man's Revenge
05. Divided / Angel
06. Ride Into The Light
07. Spheres / Levitation

A Drifting Spirit.

Spirit Adrift, the Arizonan band based in Texas, stands out as one of the few “new bands” dedicated to playing pure, straightforward heavy metal. They don’t fit neatly into categories like NWOTHM, hard rock, power metal, or doom; they simply fall under the wide umbrella of heavy metal. Hot & Heavy: Live In Tejas marks their live recorded debut.

Spirit Adrift announced their arrival in 2016, releasing their first EP Behind - Beyond. The band is the project of multi-instrumentalist Nate Garrett, who has consistently put out interesting records, blending classic ’70s metal with Bay Area guitar riffs.

Hot & Heavy: Live In Tejas was recorded during their 2023 tour in support of their latest studio record, Ghost At The Gallows. The band brings an energetic live presence to this recording, enhancing their sound. The album showcases their heavy metal style, with tracks hitting harder than their studio versions. Nate’s vocals sound more raw and powerful, which adds a refreshing edge. The guitar work, led by Garrett and Tom Draper, delivers sharp, dynamic riffs and solos reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, while Sonny De Carlo’s bass and Mike Fury’s drums provide a solid foundation.

Hot & Heavy: Live In Tejas opens with “Sorcerer’s Fate”, a dark, heavy track featuring outstanding guitar work. The drums and bass lock into strong rhythm changes. “Barn Burner” follows, outshining its studio version, with the guitar again taking the spotlight. “Forge/Siren” introduces a Black Sabbath-esque riff and complexity, while “Hanged Man’s Revenge”, a Bay Area speed metal track taken from their latest studio album, sounds powerful live. “Divided/Angel” stands out as a slower highlight, while “Ride Into The Light” brings a speed/power metal vibe. The album has a great finale with the epic “Spheres/Levitation”, a great mix of everything they’ve explored.

Spirit Adrift doesn’t break new ground, and the band isn’t a revolutionary force, but they’ve achieved something many bands don’t: they’ve taken their studio work and improved it live. That kind of dedication and professionalism deserves recognition. Hot & Heavy: Live In Tejas is completely enjoyable. I had a great time listening, and if you love heavy metal, you’ll enjoy this one too.