Welcome to the world of Massive Wagons, a world where the riffs are hard and heavy, the songs are melodic and filled with the energy and passion of the bands you love. Following in the footsteps of classic British rock bands such as Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, Massive Wagons remind us of what made British rock great.
From the monstrous opening riff of Nails, it is clear that hardcore classic rock and AOR is something that inspires the band. The track is as tough as it's namesake suggests the lyrics 'Keep the faith and embrace the anger inside' you make up a bulldozer of a metal chorus. 'The pop styling of Tokyo has a ring of Thin Lizzy with jangling guitar riffs a memorable hook and some belting vocals from Baz Mills. With a nod and a wink to the music industry Baz sings, 'you won't play us on the radio.' Ironically, this track is a catchy as the clap at a backstage orgy and certainly deserves the airplay.
The album has plenty of fluidity as it changes its style, evolving to incorporate all their influences, sometimes morphing several times in a song. Far from becoming messy or disjointed, all the musical components of the production line fit this Wagon pretty well. There's certainly a Yankee draw here too, with the military percussion and power chords of Green Day referenced on the title track. The humorous lyrics or Ratio have a swagger of Black Stone Cherry or The Chili Peppers, and also demonstrate Baz's vocal ability to switch between styles.
Shit, Sweat, Death is blues meets punk, with some terrific guitar work. The song is fast, furious, aggressive, but with that fun rock n roll Massive Wagons sound that epitomizes their ability to blend all their inspirations together to create a mind-blowing track. The Iron Maiden inspired The Day We Fell and Fighting Jack continue the powerful arena rock sound that will knock you sideways.
Fee Fi Fo Fum, continues the humour and brings in elements of Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire as Baz rattles off the verse. It's another gigantic track for the band on an album which isn't afraid to go back to the roots.
Massive Wagons are definitely on the road to heavy metal glory, with roaring riffs and songs that you'll be dancing, singing and moshing to this is a rock band with something for everyone.
Let the Wagons roll!
Groupie Rating: 4/5