It’s has been a while, since there was a release regarding THE LORD WEIRD
SLOUGH FEG. The band released their last full-length album “The
Organon” in 2019, five years ago. So, it was about time to hear something
‘’new’’ from the band.
THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG started their journey as a band, back in
the ’90s, when times were difficult for traditional heavy metal, which was
losing popularity and music companies started to focus on grunge and
alternative rock bands. As soon as the band appeared, brought new “fresh”
air in metal, combining traditional heavy metal and NWOBHM with Celtic folk elements and lyrics about epic or folk / fantasy tales. That early ‘90’s era was very prolific and creative for the band, which recorded / released many demos until their self-titled debut in 1996.
“Radical Man” is an anthology, a compilation, that sheds light on that early era of the band. So comes the question. Is this compilation album worth the attention of the fans? The answer is definitely “Yes” and that goes not only to the ‘’die-hard’’ fans of the band, but also to new fans who want to discover this special and unique band, revisiting (if for old fans) or discovering (regarding new fans) some of the finest representations of the band, from that era.
This release is consisted of one unreleased song called “Radical Man”, six
tracks, some of which were included in the first demos and tracks that until now were exclusively available as bonus tracks on the long-out-of-print first run reissues of the band’s debut album. Last but not least, a demo version of a 1994 recording from the fan favorite song “Highway Corsair” is also included.
The artwork and logo of the front cover is a Mike Scalzi’s (guitar, vocals,
founder and mastermind of the band) hand drawing that he designed back in 1990 for a show.
Some words for the music itself. The “Intro / The Mask” song which opens
the album is indicative of the music THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG are
playing. Thus, the listener will notice the distinguishing epic anthemic voice of Mike Scalzi bringing in mind late Mark “The Shark” Shelton and the mighty MANILLA ROAD.
The music of THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG has an epic vibe reminding
us of BROCAS HELM, combining it with elements of New Wave of British
Heavy Metal and especially the very early era and years of IRON MAIDEN,
that can be heard on the famous, among fans of the band, “Highway
Corsair” song.
It is also very important to mention the Celtic / Irish folk elements, that are spread through all songs and especially “The Red Branch”. So, it is very reasonable, that fans will be reminded of another great contemporary band of the time, which was the “founders” of folk metal and very popular back then. I’m talking of course about the adored SKYCLAD. When we are talking about Ireland and folk elements, would be an omission not to remark the influences that SLOUGH FEG have by the legendary THIN LIZZY. A perfect example is the previously unreleased song “The Radical Man”.
Discussing about influences, another band has to be mentioned as well and
that are HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE, which was kind of a “brother band”
for SLOUGH FEG, since Mike Scalzi contributed to the band of the guitarist
John Cobbett and vice versa.
I really enjoyed this special release from THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG
and I highly recommend it for old and new fans. I am looking also forward for a brand-new full-length album in the near future.
The album has been released by Nameless Grave Records on April 19th and is available on LP, CD and Digital format.
Check the discussion on our forum pages.
