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Astral Rider
Forgotten Heroes
D.V.R.
Jekyll and Hyde
1001 Nighs
Silver Surfer
Notre Dame
Mad, mad World
Highlander
Mistress of the Forest
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Where does one begin in reviewing the greatest
album of all time in my humble opinion? Should I start with the amazing
vocals, the crushing guitar work, or the perfect mixture of melody and heaviness??
Sadly, "A Sultan's Ransom" was to be the swan song for this band after never
receiving as much acclaim as they certainly deserved. Cloven Hoof simply
called it quits, leaving behind a great legacy of music that many of us
will enjoy forever. Featuring personnel from the brilliant Tredegar (although
rumor has it the vocals on the Tredegar album were performed by Carl of
Persian Risk), Cloven Hoof had compiled a group of members that blended
as well as anyone musically. Mixing wild guitar solos only comparable to
any of King Diamond's releases of the same era, massive riffs and the most
soaring vocals one could ever hope to hear, "A Sultan's Ransom" has something
for everyone. The album begins with a perfect intro, short and simple and
not giving any indication of what follows, and then all hell breaks loose!
The first song "Astral Rider" clearly displays the fullness of Russ North's
vocals, and you'll be singing along the very first time you hear this record
as well as the millionth time and then some! The following song is possibly
my personal favorite on the album, "Forgotten Heroes." How can a song be
so heavy and catchy at the same time? But this can be said of every song
herein. Pummeling riff after riff and solo after solo, this album delivers
in every category, all the way to the final track "Mistress Of The Forest,"
which is a strong second choice for favorite track. This epic monster begins
with a great classical intro, changing quickly into a surprisingly atmospheric
bit before once again the listener is thrust into a masterpiece of heavy
metal. Blending a little of the hard rock sensibilities of the late 70's
with the heaviness of 80's metal, and somehow capturing the essence of melody
which so many others have failed to do, "A Sultan's Ransom" will please
even the most discriminating pair of heavy metal ears. This album is what
heavy metal is all about!!!
Review by Jon McClain |
