Review: Axe Dragger ‘Axe Dragger’
There’s a new band coming your way, one that I suppose you could call a super group, as the members all have impressive resumés. That band is called Axe Dragger and features the ex-singer from Pantera, Terry Glaze, Dark Funeral bassist Fredrik Isaksson, ex-Pentagram drummer Pete Campbell, and Fu Manchu guitarist Bob Balch. Their self-titled debut was released at the start of March via the ever-reliable Ripple Music.
I’ve put in a lot of time listening to their musical offerings and can safely say that this album is even better than I had expected it to be. The vocals are perfectly suited for the music, and the riffs are catchier than Covid. There is also some very tasty bass playing, with some really sexy fills and runs in more than a few places. My inner bass player really enjoys it when the instrument is tastefully played yet interesting, and that’s exactly what we get on this self-titled debut.
I would like to speak about the vocals before we dive into things. I personally believe that this is the best Terry Glaze has ever sounded, and yes, that includes Pantera. Age and maturity affect the way a singer is able to perform, bringing down the highs and accentuating the grit and gravel that was already present. Not all vocalists sound great in the latter stages of their career, but Glaze sure does.
Axe Dragger is the album opener, which I feel was a suitable choice. It gives definition to the name and is a fantastic display of what follows across the rest of the album – heavy, catchy riffs, excellent vocal work, and powerful drum and bass.
heavy, catchy riffs, excellent vocal work, and powerful drum and bass…
Eat Me From The Inside is the longest track on the album, clocking in at just over five minutes. It’s also one of the best cuts on a record full of standouts. I love the vocal melody during the chorus section because the first time I heard it, I ended up listening to it on repeat several times. It’s insanely catchy, as are many of the guitar riffs, not to mention that the bass playing during the mid-section is superb, which occurs right after a stellar guitar solo. There are some of those tasty fills and runs that I brought up earlier, and it’s interesting without being overpowering.
El Toro has an Iron Maiden meets Judas Priest vibe that is coupled with some riffs that are a bit more adjacent to stoner metal. Glaze pulls in some Bruce Dickinson, but with an almost power metal sound at times, which is the perfect complement to the musical components.
The Damned Will Cry is my pick for the best song on the record. The beginning piece utilizes the verse riff with a melodic guitar solo on top of it. I hear a bit more doom metal influence than on any of the other tracks up to this point, as well as a bit of Danzig thanks to that verse riff. The vocals are the highlight for me, I absolutely love how Glaze performed it – the flow, the melody, everything about them is exactly what I wanted to hear.
Death Is Calling My Name closes the album out on a strong note. My favorite part is the mid-tempo gallop of the verse riff – it immediately had my head bobbing and pulling that face we all get when a riff hits just right – although to be honest, it’s chock full of killer guitar work from start to finish.
Label: Ripple Music
Band Links: Facebook | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Tom Hanno
