California metal act Bigelf is back with a new disc of classic 70s influenced heavy rock. Fans of Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Atomic Rooster... take note -- if you are not familiar with these guys --check this [or previous release "Money Machine"] out! Heavy, Sabbathy riffs, such as on the lead off "Madhatter" or the frantic "Sunshine Suicide" [killer guitar solo from Ace Mark] and the rough edged "Carry The Load".

There's plenty of hammond organ and classic keyboard solos in the moog, mellotrons and synths throughout and 70s retro sounds and arrangements, like on the Floyd-ish "Bats In The Belfry 2", "Disappear" or the more Heep-ish "Falling Bombs" [note the hammond solo!].

Listeners will get plenty out of this album. Singer/keyboardist Damon Fox delivers plenty of 70s keyboard sounds, as well as sinister vocals & lyrics and retro vocal effects & harmonies to keep any classic demonic metal fan, who still upholds the 1969-72 era as the best in heavy rock! And the album's best is saved for the ending [IMO] with 2 longer epics - "Burning Bridges" & "Bats In The Belfry 1".

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention the band's Beatles' influence and knack for melodies, as on "Rock & Roll Contract", perhaps the easiest pick for radio accessability here.

With the likes of The Darkness getting so much exposure for their 70s hard rock style, it would be justice if these guys got picked up as the new masters of classic metal.

Aside from Fox and Ace Mark, Bigelf also consists of drummer Froth and bass player Duffy Snow. Even their names are impressive!

Check out  www.bigelf.com for a video clip of "Madhatter".

Review: © Kevin J. Julie / Universal Wheels, April 2004