CLOVEN HOOF
CLOVEN HOOF "Heathen Cross"
By Dr. Abner Mality
CLOVEN HOOF is another one of the many "should have been" band's of the NWOBHM. 43 years after their arrival, they are still prowling the margins of the metal world. Or rather, bassist and sole original member Lee Payne is.
To give the devil his due, Payne has assembled a hell of a band here and "Heathen Cross" might just be the best CLOVEN HOOF yet. In an absolute stroke of genius, Payne has gotten none other than Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin of JAG PANZER and SATAN'S HOST fame to sing lead for his band. It's an inspired choice and Harry's powerful voice transforms CLOVEN HOOF immediately..Listen to his glass-breaking scream on "Redeemer"!. But he also demonstrates a wonderful lower register as well. His melodies on the DIO like "Sabbat Stones" and the epic "The Summoning" are some of his best work ever.
Conklin is not the only notable addition. Lead guitarists Chris Coss and Luke Hatton are an outstanding duo in best NWOBHM tradition, shredding like mad all over the place. Tracks like "Vendetta" and the furious "Frost And Fire" skirt the boundaries of thrash while "Darkest Before the Dawn" could almost be a HAMMERFALL song.
CLOVEN HOOF shouldn't have this much energy after more than 40 years in the trenches but I'm glad they do. One of the best NWOBHM style albums from an original band.