There is something quite remarkable about NWOBHM era outfits who are still playing shows and making music today. It’s been 45 years since the scene that served as the mediator between metal’s inception and the thrash explosion first picked up steam, and most of these bands are still going strong. From giants like Iron Maiden and Saxon, to cult heroes like Black Rose and Marquis de Sade, these denim and leather clad pioneers still have something to say in 2023, and why not? Considering 99% of the so called “NWOTHM” just ape the playbook they wrote, the least these veterans can do is show the youngsters how it’s done, which is exactly what Trespass does on their latest album, Wolf at the Door.
For those unfamiliar, Trespass formed in 1978 under the moniker Track IV, before rebranding themselves Trespass in the glorious year of ’79 when the dam began to burst. Consisting of brothers Mark (guitars) and Paul Sutcliffe (drums) with a revolving door of mates on vocals, bass, and additional guitars, Trespass had a rather prolific 2 year period. The band released a demo, two classic singles, and an EP, before eventually calling it a day in ’82. Why they didn’t score a major label deal like so many of their peers is beyond me, but that’s another question for another day. What matters is fast forward some 40ish years later and Trespass are still kicking.
Although only Mark Sutcliffe remains from those early days, the fearless spirit of the NWOBHM is alive and well on their latest album, Wolf at the Door. If you dig meaty riffs, big choruses, and sizzling lead guitar work with nods to Thin Lizzy (and what self respecting headbanger doesn’t?), you won’t be able to crank the volume dial far enough to the right when listening to this album. I’m not sure if this was intentional or not, but the overall production is raw and lo-fi by classic metal standards (think along the lines of Witchfynde’s Give ‘Em Hell, Satan’s Court in the Act, etc). This makes Wolf an all the more exciting of a listen, and adds a layer of suspense to cryptic cuts like “Blackthorn” and the closing title cut.
Another key component of this album that so many metal acts today seem to disregard altogether is depth. Wolf at the Door is not all heavy, all the time. Yes, songs like the ultra-cool “Daggers Drawn”, blissfully melodic “Other Worlds”, and full throttle “Crooked Cross” would all sit comfortably on a mixtape compiled by Darkthrone svengali Fenriz. So would progressive leaning moments like “Ghost Pilot” and “Stranger in Paradise”, or even the Zeppelin-esque groove and emotion of “Force of Nature”. Hell, even the ballads on this album hit the spot. Don’t believe me? Check out the spellbinding “Unsinkable” and get a load of that English metal pomp!
Even in 2023, Trespass brings down the old school NWOBHM hammer like it’s 1980, precise and powerful as ever before. If you’re looking for modernity of any kind, look elsewhere. Trespass are retro and proud, and rightfully so. Those “Bright Lights” are shining brighter than ever, thanks to a collection of songs that’s all killer, no filler. Trespass promised they’d get you “One of These Days…”. Well that day has arrived. Kick your worries to the curb and bang your head in triumph!
8 out of 10
Label: From the Vaults
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Witchfynde, Angel Witch, Dark Star