Mean Streak Declaration of War
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Declaration of War is the second album from Swedish metal warriors Mean Streak. Inspired by classic bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon and the rest of the NWOBHM scene (and, most likely, fellow Swedes Wolf and Enforcer), Mean Streak plays old school traditional heavy metal, and does it with head-banging, fist-pumping, denim and leather style.
Picking up where their 2009 debut Metal Slave left off, Declaration of War gets off to a strong start with the martial title track, a call to arms for metalheads everywhere. It definitely sets the tone for the album, which is wall-to-wall chugging riffs, wailing vocals, NWOBHM production and true metal spirit. David Andersson and Patrik Garberg both handle lead guitar duties, serving up headbanging riffs and dizzying solos, and vocalist Andy LaGuerin sounds like the second coming of Biff Byford. The whole album just channels a classic metal energy.
The heavy monster “No Man’s Land” could have come from Saxon’s Crusader album, “In for the Kill” and “Brothers till the End” sound like Accept tunes, and the one-two punch of “Crimson Sky” and “Edge of the Rainbow” are vert tributes to the late Ronnie James Dio, with their “Heaven and Hell” vibe and lyrics. Then of course there’s the metal anthem “Sons of Metal,” which is like a long-lost metal message from another era. Are the songs deep and meaningful? Of course not. They’re simple, straightforward and metal as hell.
In the end, Declaration of War is as predictable and cheesy as it is completely rocking and memorable. Albums like this remind us how much fun heavy metal can be, and reaffirm that this so-called New Wave of Traditional Metal was long overdue. If bands like Cauldron, Wolf, Enforcer and Widow have you raising your fist for metal, you’ll definitely want to check out Mean Streak. We are all “Sons of Metal” after all!
Genre: Heavy Metal
Band:
Andy LaGuerin (v)
David Andersson (g)
Patrik Gardberg (g)
Peter Anderson (b) (v)
Jonas Kallsback (d)
Track Listing:
1. Declaration of War
2. In For the Kill
3. Crimson Sky
4. The End of the Rainbow
5. As You Sow You Shall Reap
6. No Man’s Land
7. Brothers till the End
8. Sons of Metal
9. Sign in the Sky
10. History of Lies
11. The Oblation
Label: Black Lodge
Website: www.myspace.com/meanstreaksweden
Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10