Local boys The Vandaliers are a new one on us at RTM, but as
first impressions go it was a bit of a cracker. Dealing in the same type of
music that latter day Orange Goblin knock out with consummate ease, there is
absolutely nothing not to be enjoyed about their set. Songs like “Swamp Thing”
and Sweet Temptation tick all the right boxes and, really are the sort of music
is impossible to get wrong. The band are supporting RTM favourites Kadavar next
month and are well worth getting their early for. Here is one bunch of vandals
you are happy to see again and again.
On their Facebook page Monument list their first two
influences as “Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.” There are other listed, but
really they are superfluous as that is exactly what the band sound like. When
last White Wizzard were in these parts, it was Monument singer Peter Ellis who
was behind the mic stand. His act was the same then as it is now. Think Bruce
Dickinson but even more posh. There is nothing remotely original about the
band, but that doesn’t matter. This is metal to be played while you are in your
studded leather jacket and to be enjoyed with a smile on your face. Nothing
else. The song titles betray their
secrets. “Fatal Attack” “Crusaders” (which couldn’t be more Iron Maiden if it
tried) and closing track “Rock The Night” are as big, dumb and fun as it gets.
If Monument were made to support any band, it is White
Wizzard, the Americans plough almost exactly the same furrow. There are two
things that have catrogorised the band since their formation. One is an almost constantly
revolving door of band members and two is superb music.
The “Flying Tigers” album from a couple of years ago saw
main man Jon Leon exploring his proggier side, while this years “The Devil’s
Cut” (from where the majority of tonight’s set comes) is back to straight ahead
balls to the wall metal. All of it is excellent, and Englishman Will Wallmer is
exemplary on guitar. The hour they spend on stage is as enjoyable as it gets,
and concludes with their first ever song “High Speed GTO.”
Nothing is simple, though, in the world of White Wizzard,
and in the time since this gig took place the band have virtually disbanded
again. Singer Joseph Michael was sacked about three days after this show
(claiming he left after Jon Leon stole from him) and guitarist Wallner and
drummer Giovanni Durst followed him out of the door. Faced with this turmoil
(this is the sixth vocalist they have sacked) Earache records have finally had
enough and dropped the band.
Where this leaves them is anyone’s guess, but if this is the
end, then tonight at least provided a decent memory. What happened since is a
shame, but taken as just a rock n roll show, this was a damn fine affair.
