I must confess the reason I picked up this promo was due to the label these guys are signed to. I first came across HMR all the way back in 1981 when I bought “Sweeties” by The Handsome Beasts, soon to be followed by their album (which has one of the most disturbing covers ever), ‘Beastiality’. With bands like Bitches Sin, Witchfinder General and Quartz they were iconic long before they signed the likes of Accept, and now here they are in 2024 with the latest release from this Denver-based band. Originally formed in 2004, they went on hiatus in 2006 until they were revived in 2012 by guitarist Tony Z, since when they have independently released 14 singles, 2 EPs, 2 full-length albums, and 3 compilation albums.

Musically this is metal from the Eighties, rough and raw with little in the way of finesse but a driving rhythm section, twin guitars and a singer who seems to have landed in this band fully formed (I can’t find anything about Duel Shape singing with anyone else before joining these guys in 2020). With all their feet firmly rooted in NWOBHM, they have moved into power metal and for the most part this is really solid (guys – there is never any excuse to fade out a song) and one can see why they have been undertaking so many opening slots as they will do a good job of getting crowds warmed up for the main event. Heavily influenced by Judas Priest and Iron Maiden this may not be essential but is enjoyable all the same.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.immortalsynn.com/
https://www.heavymetalrecords.com/