The metal scene has become increasingly saturated with bands trying to capture the magic of the genre's golden age. Most fall short. But sometimes, a band comes along that not only pays homage to the past but forges its own path forward. Enter Shovelhead AD, whose sophomore album "Timeless Old" lives up to its ambitious title in ways that even the most jaded metalhead couldn't have anticipated.
From the moment needle hits vinyl (or whatever digital equivalent you prefer), it's clear that this isn't just another throwback thrash record. The album opens with the neck-breaking "Iron Dawn" (a fitting title if there ever was one), and for the next 54 minutes, Shovelhead AD delivers a masterclass in modern metal that's simultaneously forward-thinking and deeply rooted in tradition.
The ghost of Dimebag Darrell looms large over guitarist Mike Striker's fretwork, but it's more inspiration than imitation. His riffs contain that familiar Texas grit we associate with Pantera, but there's something distinctly contemporary in his approach. The production, helmed by veteran producer Marcus Steel (known for his work with Testament and Machine Head), strikes that perfect balance between raw power and clinical precision that defines the best modern metal releases.
Drummer Tom "The Hammer" Harrison proves himself a force of nature throughout the record. His double-bass work on "Concrete Wasteland" alone is worth the price of admission, while the tribal-influenced intro to "Ancient Future" showcases a level of creativity that elevates the material beyond mere thrash revival. The rhythm section, completed by bassist Jack Morrison, provides the kind of foundation that could support a skyscraper – or in this case, ten tracks of pure metallic devastation.
But what sets "Timeless Old" apart from its contemporaries isn't just its technical prowess or production values. It's the songwriting. In an era where many bands mistake complexity for quality, Shovelhead AD understands the power of the groove. Songs like "Steel Cathedral" and "Timeless" (the album's centerpiece) demonstrate an almost supernatural ability to craft hooks that stick in your head without sacrificing an ounce of heaviness.
Vocalist Ray Winters has clearly studied at the altar of Phil Anselmo and James Hetfield, but his delivery carries its own distinct character. His range moves effortlessly from guttural roars to clean passages that actually serve the songs rather than feeling tacked on as commercial concessions. The lyrics, while rooted in the familiar themes of power, rebellion, and societal decay, avoid the clichés that often plague the genre.
The album's production deserves special mention. Unlike many modern metal releases that suffocate under the weight of excessive compression and triggering, "Timeless Old" breathes. You can hear the air moving through the room during the quieter passages, making the heavy parts hit that much harder when they crash in. It's a masterclass in dynamic range that more producers should study.
Track by track, "Timeless Old" reveals new layers with each listen. The opening salvo of "Iron Dawn" and "Concrete Wasteland" might grab you by the throat, but it's the more experimental middle section, particularly the epic "Ancestral Chains," that showcases the band's true potential. The song's 8-minute runtime flies by, building from a haunting clean intro to a devastating climax that rivals anything in modern metal.
The influence of bands like Power Trip and Enforced is evident, particularly in the crossover-tinged "Speed Demon" and "Nuclear Thunder," but Shovelhead AD never feels derivative. They've taken these influences and filtered them through their own unique perspective, creating something that honors the past while pushing firmly into the future.
The album's final track, "Eternal Night," serves as both a perfect closer and a statement of intent. Beginning with an almost doom-like dirge before exploding into a thrash metal tour de force, it encapsulates everything that makes Shovelhead AD special. It's heavy, it's technical when it needs to be, but most importantly, it never loses sight of what makes metal great: the ability to move both body and mind.
"Timeless Old" isn't just a great metal album; it's a reminder of why we fell in love with this music in the first place. In a genre that sometimes feels like it's running out of ideas, Shovelhead AD proves there's still plenty of territory left to explore. They've managed to create something that feels both classic and contemporary, honoring their influences while carving out their own distinct identity.
For fans of old-school metal, there's enough here to satisfy their craving for traditional heaviness. For those more interested in modern approaches, the production and arrangements offer plenty of forward-thinking elements. It's a rare album that can bridge that gap so effectively.
If there's any justice in the metal world, "Timeless Old" will be remembered as one of the defining albums of its era. It's a record that deserves to be mentioned alongside classics like "Vulgar Display of Power" and "Master of Puppets," not because it sounds like them, but because it captures that same spirit of innovation and raw power that made those albums legendary.
Shovelhead AD has thrown down the gauntlet with "Timeless Old." The question now is: who else will dare to pick it up?
Rating: 9/10