SHAFT OF STEEL – Shaft Of Steel EP (2014)

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This little CD arrived a bit late to our desk, but damn, well worth the wait! We’re talking about the debut recording by SHAFT OF STEEL, a new UK Melodic Hard Rock act destined to be a sensation.
This four song EP gets a head start on other young bands out there as they have Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Unisonic, Place Vendrome, etc.) mastering it and adding backing vocals, so fear not the production is very good.

Not, as the band’s dodgy name and artwork may suggest a power metal band, but a young band from London who play high quality Melodic Hard Rock. However, Shaft Of Steel are trying something different here.
While the traditional guitar hooks, keyboard runs, bouncy rhythm section and soaring vocals typical from the genre are present, the guys develop their songs in a multi-space range.
Three of the four tracks are around the seven minute mark, blending some kind of song-into-song on each. This is very interesting as you have two song ideas mash-up into one, always dynamic and entertaining.

Opening with the burning melody of “Drive” you are immediately reminded of greats like Harem Scarem: it’s a track with sumptuous production from guitarist Alex Markham who throughout does a damn fine job, playing and behind the desk.
“Spinning Vortex of Love” that sweeps in next is even better – the melody is simply irresistible and the song beautifully constructed with some glorious backing vocals that reach another level.

There’s a bit more meat to the riff-driven “Steel Avenger (Stand Your Ground)” which adds another dimension to the sound and another possibility for a future long-player.
Then “Release The Lion Within” is another soaring number, mainly as vocalist Robert Fenning shows his vocal range to good effect on this ‘more instant’ song.
The instrumental dynamics and timing from all members makes this one a song that many established bands would dream of writing.

Listening to “Shaft Of Steel” restores your faith that there are young bands out there with the right Melodic Hard Rock chops to blow you away despite not having the major backing behind them.
It’s few and far between that you hear a new independent band that has such an immediate impact, but on the strength of this debut EP we will be hearing a lot more from these guys in the near future. They already toured with Vega and Newman so expect big things for this sextet, and soon.
If you love a sound with huge guitars, impassioned vocals and sweeping keys – add to that an equally powerful backline – then “Shaft Of Steel” is a mandatory checkout.
Highly Recommended.

1 – Drive
2 – Spinning Vortex of Love
3 – Steel Avenger (Stand Your Ground)
4 – Release the Lion Within
enhanced content:
‘Drive’ official HD video

Robert Fenning – Lead vocals
Alex Markham – Guitar
Adam Carruthers – Guitar
Chris Smurthwaite – Keyboards
Andy Cooper – Bass, backing vocals
Garth Vickers – Drums
Dennis Ward – Backing Vocals, mastering

BUY IT !
shaftofsteel.com/store/
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