Chariot Behind the Wire

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Behind the Wire is the third release from Chariot, one of the bands that emerged at the tail end of the legendary New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. This latest offering was originally released in 2006 to little fanfare, but has now been reissued. Behind the Wire comes more than 20 years after the band’s second album (1985’s Burning Ambition). Three albums over a quarter-century isn’t a great track record, but singer/guitarist Pete Franklin hasn’t exactly been idle. He launched a new band – Dirty Deeds – that was active through most of the ‘90s, touring with Iron Maiden and releasing three albums. Now Franklin is back with most of the classic Chariot lineup plus new guitarist Paul Lane.

Well, it’s 25 years later and guess what? Chariot in 2010 still sounds a hell of a lot like the old Chariot. Sure, the production is better (it would almost have to be) and the musicianship and songwriting are tighter (you’d expect that), but the essential Chariot sound is definitely in place. Speedy, distinctly British, hard rock plus just enough metallic heaviness, a measure of groove, and plenty of melody. Plus of course Franklin’s steady midrange vocals. There’s something to be said for a metal vocalist that doesn’t rely on piercing screams to get his point across. The second you hear Franklin’s voice you know this is really Chariot.

There are no real surprises here, and you can decide for yourself whether that’s a good thing or not. You could argue that these NWOBHM era bands have earned the right to make predictable albums as long as they keep us rocking, and with hard-charging songs like “Feel That Rush,” “Behind the Wire” and “Shut It Out” that’s exactly what Chariot does. Between the heavy rock songs and some surprisingly moving slower songs (“Hour of Need” and “Slave To the Memory”), Behind the Wire should please Chariot fans of old as well as fans of Franklin’s work in Dirty Deeds. Beyond that, anyone who appreciates quality British melodic hard rock should get something out of this one. Chariot may not be breaking any new ground, but it’s still damn good to have them back.

Label: High Roller Records

Track Listing:
1. Behind the Wire
2. Cold, Hard, Cash
3. Heart of Stone
4. Shut It Out
5. No Emotion
6. Believe
7. Hour of Need
8. Feel That Rush
9. Your Time Has Come
10. The Hunger
11. Slave To the Memory
12. Looks Deceive
13. Lost Inside of Love (bonus track)

Online: www.chariot-rocks.com

Hardrock Haven Rating: 7/10

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