35 years: That’s how much time has passed since the release of Glacier’s self titled EP. Its since become a sought after collectors item and a cult classic. And if you’re lucky enough to own a copy, like I do, you’ll know why. The Glacier EP is 5 songs of US power metal gold which features not one, not two, but three singers. “When Heaven’s at Hand” is sung by Keith Flax, “Vendetta” (the EP’s finest cut) is the sole recorded vocal performance of Rex McNew, and the remaining three songs (“Ready for Battle”, “Devil in Disguise”, “Speak No Evil”) are handled by Michael Podrybau. For simplicity’s sake, let’s call him Glacier Mike.
Glacier Mike is the sole original member from the EP days. He’s joined by an ensemble of young(er) guns who have somehow replicated the classic USPM sound better than most acts of the era still going at it today. I don’t say that lightly. The EP is untouchable and when this follow up was announced, I prepared for the worst. If I had a dollar for every classic act we’ve seen tarnish their name and reputation with a sub-par, cookie cutter, modern metal album, I wouldn’t be running this site.
Glacier avoids this pitfall with eight well written and excellently put together songs which recall the days of old. “Eldest and Truest” opens things up in high gear and high power. The 80s USPM formula is present in the twin lead guitars and galloping rhythms, but I can’t help but notice a tinge of Saxon. This is due to Glacier Mike sounding like the vocal doppelganger of Biff Byford. In other words, if you enjoyed Saxon’s foray into power metal, Lionheart (2004), you’re in for a real treat.
“Live for the Whip” is more or less a continuation of “Eldest and Truest”, but with more emphasis on the riffs than the melodies. “Ride Out” has that adventurous quality of late 80s Running Wild, while “Valor” lives up to its name with a hard hitting, militant riff, preparing us for battle. Of course, it wouldn’t be a USPM album without the obligatory prog epic. In this case, there’s two: “Sands of Time” and “The Temple and the Tomb”. “Sands of Time” starts off as a delicate ballad before turning things up to 11. There’s plenty twists and turns to go around, as well as arguably the finest guitar solo of the album. Meanwhile, “The Temple and the Tomb” is a mysterious, mid paced power metal hymn, full of ambiguity and ancient magic.
The Passing of Time is the October surprise we didn’t know we needed. If you’ve been a Glacier fan for decades, you’ll be pleased that this album is a fitting successor to the EP. And if this is your first time reading or hearing about Glacier, prepare to be old schooled. There’s “nowhere to run, nowhere to hide”.
8 out of 10
Label: No Remorse Records
Genre: Power Metal
For fans of: Saxon, Jag Panzer, Omen