TRÖJAN – Chasing The Storm ’85 [Cult Metal Classics 2CD remastered] (2022)

Cult Metal Classics label reissues N.W.O.B.H.M. indeed cult classic 1985 LP “Chasing The Storm”, the only studio album from British band TRÖJAN, including a previously unreleased track plus a bonus CD with a live recording, also unreleased.
It’s really a sad thing that heavy metal was a dying art in the mid-to-late 1980s in Britain as bands like Tröjan, Cloven Hoof, Desolation Angels and Elixir showed that the isle still had much more to offer. “Chasing The Storm” became a N.W.O.B.H.M. cult classic, and you can see why: this is metal to the bone!
What we have here is strong, lightning speed traditional ’80s metal with hard rock from start to finish. Starting at the album art – which is among the best metal covers from the era, hands down – you know this record is pedal to the floor, balls out speed riffs, white knuckled intensity and genuine professionalism from the band.
Loaded with a killer axework by Pete Wadeson, classy ’80s vocals by Graeme Wyatt and pounding rhythm section by Eddy Martin (bass) and Sam Hall (drums) leading to immortal compositions such as “Ice House”, “Backstabber”, “Aggressor” and the metal hymn “Chasing the Storm”.

What you’ll notice about ”Chasing The Storm” is that it has a fantastic sense of forward momentum; even when Tröjan are playing at midtempo it still feels fast. One of the questions every metalhead must ask his or herself is “is it possible to play midtempo with such intensity?” and Tröjan respond here with a resounding yes!
This blend of speed and more streamlined, mid-80s style works great, and despite its almost 4 decades, the album still sounds fresh.
Of course, the opener title track is delivered with such blazing heroic enthusiasm that I very think it’s one of those songs that every metal fan should hear. The main riff just provides the perfect bridge between the early 1980s and the mid-1980s; twiddly one-string mid-1980s speed riffing ended with a open chord ala Riot’s Fire Down Under. It manages to be epic, driving and just downright impressive.

‘’Hypnotised’’ fabricate your obligatory mid-album slower section, but still consist of same shattering riffage and solos. The ‘Cat Scratch Fever’ ishness of riffage in ‘‘Backstabber’’ is suddenly supplanted with an uproarious solo and punchers on guitar.
The remainder of the album consists of the emotive guitar lead laden (and Maidenesque) ‘‘Icehouse’’ – a gallopy riff monster, the return to dirty 70s Riot riffage in the top tier anthem ‘’Take No Prisoners’’, a slightly slower number but with some heavy drumming – bringin to the table a sound comparable to early 80’s Riot – albeit with weaker production.

‘‘Hot ‘N Ready’’ and ‘’Help Me’’ are more traditional NWOBHM attacks, there’s a cool fade out riff in the latter, positioned underneath the emotive chorus vocal. The bonus disc ‘Capturing The Storm – Live At The Dynamo Club’ display how raw and authentic metal Tröjan were. Audio quality is decent enough.

Fans of classic NWOBHM and mid 80’s Brit metal definitely will enjoy ”Chasing The Storm”. If you like these genres and haven’t heard the buzz surrounding the band yet, check this one out now; you will not be disappointed.
Highly Recommended

CD1 (Chasing The Storm)
1. Chasing The Storm
2. Tonight We’ve Got It Made
3. Only The Strong Survive
4. Hypnotized
5. Backstabber
6. Icehouse
7. Take No Prisoners
8. Hot ‘N Ready
9. Help Me
10. Aggressor
11. Bring On The Night (Bonus Song)

CD2 (Capturing The Storm – Live At The Dynamo Club)
1. Backstabber
2. Tonight We’ve Got It Made
3. Only The Strong Survive
4. Hypnotized
5. Take No Prisoners
6. Hot ‘N Ready
7. Help Me
8. Icehouse
9. Aggressor
10. Chasing The Storm

Graeme Wynatt – Vocals
Pete Wadeson – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Eddy Martin – Bass
Sam Hall – Drums

BUY
steelgallery.com/metal-store/product/trojan-chasing-the-storm-slipcase-2cd/