Cauldron

When Cauldron issued debut album Chained to the Nite in 2009, the NWOBHM-influenced power trio proved to be keepers of something truly anomalous. Inventive and inspired, it was an energized, if not altogether refined, piece of rudimentary metal. Still, the overt juvenility of its lyrical content and delivery revealed a band on the verge, as opposed to in their realm. Hearing the composed attack of sophomore work Burning Fortune, it becomes instantly clear that Chained to the Nite was an entirely necessary step on their path to eventual greatness. At that, the future is now. Musically, the trio finally possess the ability hinted at on past releases. Striding forth with confidence and prowess, the entire album is almost perfectly constructed, as shuffling grooves give way to prodigious solos and beastly drum beats while bassist/vocalist Jason Decay resolutely discovers his range and wrestles it into submission, serving the songs perfectly, as opposed to past efforts that strove for something they didn't quite achieve. As for those lyrics, Cauldron have also found a more mature means of conveying tongue-in-cheek humour and imagery, rounding out this striking affair. Smooth, driving and dauntless, Burning Fortune is a brilliantly executed bout of hallowed, '80s-bred heavy metal.