SLOUGH FEG

SLOUGH FEG
APE UPRISING (2009)
320 KBPS

There really are not that many albums that I was looking forward to in 2009, but this is one was towards the top of that short list. Hard to believe that this band has been around for as long as they have. This their seventh full length release is of course tailored to the style they have been playing for years. Think Thin Lizzy from around 1977 blended with a huge dose of Iron Maiden from around 1981-82. Then toss in some celtic influences and that's pretty much the blueprint for the last few albums. The opener "The hunchback of Notre Doom" slinks on with rough and steady riff. Unfortunately the songs stays rather one dimensional and the pace doesn't vary much at all. A rather flat opener, but it's certainly in the minority as the album really gets going with "Overborne". The disc picks up and Slough Feg get into their comfort zone. The first thing that comes to my mind about "Ape Uprising" is that it's heavier than the last few albums. There is less build-up on many of these songs and instead they plunge into the meat of the matter. The title track is an excellant example with it's pounding drums and surging Maiden-esque guitar attack. There are perhpas less celtic influences on this album than on some of their other discs. In it's place is even more NWOBHM inspired blasts. They are so emerged in that style and even the production has a slightly underdone quality that harkens back to another time. This album sounds like it could have done around 1981, but the intensity and energy keep it from being just a copy. Slough Feg's new release has all the grooves, instantly likeable vocals, sprawling solos and the classic sound that they have come to be known for. This album met with all my expectations and their approach is even more direct this time around. I highly recommend this one.

1. The Hunchback of Notre Doom
2. Overborne
3. Ape Uprising
4. Simian Manifesto
5. Shakedown at The Six
6. White Cousin
7. Ape Outro
8. Nasty Hero