Every so often a band fully surprises you. Vancouver's 3 Inches of Blood did just that at a recent show in Edmonton. Despite looking like any random hardcore or punk band, 3 Inches of Blood churned out a set of classic metal firmly rooted in only the finest influences from the 80s. And we're not talking Keel or Krokus here. Despite the fact that any mildly knowledgable listener can quickly pick out all the influences so proudly worn on the band's collective sleeves, 3 Inches of Blood is an entirely enjoyable and excellent band.

The six piece lineup has obviously studied their Iron Maiden records as well as Mercyful Fate, Grim Reaper and King Diamond. The band features two vocalists, both of whom complement one another most impressively. The main vocalist is highly reminscient of King Diamond's super high warble, but very controlled. He sounds as though he's taken some time to learn proper training and is able to pull of all the high pitched singing live. The secondary vocalist provides screams that could be found in a lot of the newer black metal acts. This actually makes a lot of sense to have the two vocalists, rather than having one singer blow his voice trying to do the screaming. Moreover, it creates interesting melodies throughout the entire album. Themewise, 3 Inches of Blood proudly hoists the Lyrical Flag of Typical Metal, as a glance at the titles suggests. But you have to tip your hat to bands who sing about orcs. It does probably damage their reputation with the ladies, who automatically assume D&D dorks, but for those wishing to pump their fists in the air to metal anthems, this is a very good thing indeed. The music throughout Battlecry Under a Winter Sun is a romp through the fields outside Iron Maiden's practice space. The influence is immense, but 3 Inches of Blood never sounds like they're directly ripping off anyone. Hero worship is forgivable when you can come up with well written songs on your own.

Although the band's decidedly non-metal image may surprise and baffle audiences, metal fans throughout the world are urged to check this album out. Even old fogies such as myself, who feel 80s metal is the exclusive domain of bands from the era, can be mightily impressed and be encouraged to pump thy fist in the air. Every fan of the old school of metal is hereby ordered to discover Vancouver's secret weapon.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 04/2003

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