When most metalheads think of Norway, the first image that comes to mind is that of corpsepaint clad dudes with a lust for satan, vikings, and the bitter cold. After all, this was the country where black metal rose to infamy. But what if I told you that hidden among the frostbitten forests of Bergen was a trio that melded the crunchy hard rock riffs of Thin Lizzy and the sugary power pop hooks of Cheap Trick? Magick Touch does exactly this and more on their latest album, Heads Have Got to Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Just read the album title: Heads Have Got to Rock ‘n’ Roll. This isn’t a friendly invitation. This is a command! If this album doesn’t make your head rock ‘n’ roll, chances are you have no pulse. “(This Isn’t) Your First Rodeo” opens things up in raucous spirit. It’s fast, upbeat, and memorable. The anthemic ear worm “To the Limit” keeps the mood going, as does the most blatant display of Thin Lizzy worship on the album, “Bad Decisions”. From the twin guitars to the imagery fueled lyrics to the cleverly phrased vocal delivery, everything about “Bad Decisions” would make Phil Lynott proud.
While Magick Touch specializes in no frills rock n’ roll, they aren’t afraid to let their metal side show. “Watchman’s Return”, “Love is a Heart Disease”, and the appropriately titled “Doomsday I’m in Love”, all boast slow, doomy Sabbath riffs. They aren’t purely doom metal songs as much as they are doom rock (see my reviews of the latest Circus of Power EP and Pale Divine album for more on this niche). “Doomsday I’m in Love” demonstrates this approach best with a slow to mid tempo transition that nearly mirrors “Into the Void”. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery folks!
My choice pick for best song on Heads is “Daggers Dance”. After 8 tracks of 70s inspired riffery, Magick Touch takes a detour to the early 80s. “Daggers Dance” sounds like a lost cut from one of my favorite KISS albums, Lick it Up (1983). Get a load of those Vinnie Vincent inspired riffs and leads, and those piping hot chorus harmonies. Hell, even the production is dripping in Aqua Net!
Heads Have Got to Rock ‘N’ Roll is a truly magickal release. Magick Touch does an ace job at blending the influences of the past to create classics for the future. Your head will rock ‘n’ roll while listening to this album. It has to!
7 out of 10
Label: Edged Circle Productions
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, Black Sabbath