On the title track of their comeback album, Back from the Dead, Siren frontman Doug Lee sings, “For ten long years I’ve been dead and gone” Ten? Try over twenty five! If it weren’t for a triumphant reunion at the 2018 edition of the Keep it True festival, Siren would be shrouded in obscurity for eternity. One of the underground gems of American metal, they released their debut album, No Place like Home, in 1986. It’s a classic example of early progressive metal which was unfortunately overshadowed by the likes of Fates Warning, Savatage, and Queensrÿche. All are great bands, but Siren certainly deserved a seat at that table. Another album would follow in the form of Financial Suicide (1989) and then decades of nothing…until now.
Back from the Dead is Siren’s first album in over 30 years. They make up for lost time and then some with 15 new songs. No matter how great you are, going past 10 songs more or less is a daunting task. Hell, Angel’s first album in 40 years, Risen, consisted of 17 songs, only half of which really blew me away. Siren did a better job keeping me engaged throughout, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly exhausted by track 12. Also, aside from some undertones on songs like “S-Blade Serenade” and “Insomnia”, there isn’t much prog to be heard. Instead, Siren goes for a straightforward traditional approach which pays homage to their heroes of the early 80s.
Tracks like “Fuel Injected Suicide” and “The Devil May Care” are hard driving rockers with bone crunching riffs and headbanging rhythms. It’s a throwback to the days when bands like Saxon, Krokus, and Riot reigned supreme. There’s nothing serious here. This is metal to rage and pound beers to. On the other side of the spectrum is “Watch Us Fly”, “How Do You Think I Feel”, and my favorite song, “Lydia the Lunatic”. Watch and learn kids. This is power metal done properly. No overproduced BS or wannabe war hero gimmicks, just pure American steel.
Even more impressive than the songs themselves is Siren’s performance. In a perfect world, bands who haven’t performed in decades are able to get up on stage and pick up right where they left off. This is hardly ever the case. I’ve seen some pretty bad reunions over the years. I’ve even seen some where it seemed the members completely forgot how to play their respective instruments! That’s not the case here. With 4/5 of their 80s lineup intact, Siren plays with ease. Singer Doug Lee sounds the exact same as he did in the old days. The rest of the band seamlessly joins him to create some no frills heavy metal.
They say everyone deserves a second chance. While I don’t necessarily adhere to this ideology, there are some exceptions. Siren is one. It’s about time they get the credit and respect they deserve. If you’re familiar with their past glory, rest assured that none has been lost today. If you aren’t, come join us “Over the Rainbow”.
6 out of 10
Label: Independent
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Iron Maiden, Saxon, Riot