Combining all of the best parts of 80s metal (Iron Maiden and Anthrax, for starters), Hammerstroke delivers a rhythmic, pounding set. The vocals are definitely more in the Paul DiAnno/Neil Turbin style (that is, not particularly melodic), but the dual lead guitar work (I'm pretty sure this is just overdubs, but there is definitely a Smith/Murray feel to such moments) is both incendiary and wonderfully expressive. Throw in a big wad of churning proto-thrash, and voila!

Hammerstroke Satan's Claw (self-released)

There's no new ground here. Even so, I think Hammerstroke would have been noticed in the way back. These songs are well-constructed, and the propulsive rhythm section creates some timeless riffage. What I like is how these songs fuse the later thrash sounds of Anthrax with the more melodic power of peak Maiden.

I should mention that I saw Anthrax and Maiden the night the first Gulf War ended in 1991. In fact, Bruce Dickinson had just seen the news before coming out and announcing it on stage at the start of Maiden's set. I remember him saying "Your King George has decided to stop killing all those poor bastards, and I think that's great." Maybe that's not word-for-word, but that's how I remember it. Anyway, I've always heard a confluence in the sounds of the two bands that most might not hear. Often, I've wondered if I was mistaken. But then I hear Hammerstroke, and I think I was right.

As a cherry on top, there's a cover of "Staying Alive." It's inexplicable, goofy and yet kinda wonderful at the same time. Anyway, this German trio has brought back a piece of my youth, and I'm pretty damn happy about that. Is this classic? Timeless? Probably not. But it sure is a shitload of fun.

Jon Worley