HOLY MOTHER, what can I say, they’re really in a category of their own, they have elements of Industrial Metal, Groove Metal but most consider them Power Metal. Before DISTURBED hit it big, Holy Mother had a similar sound, but they leaned a bit more into the 80’s. Whatever label you want to put on the band they’re going to be on the fringes of the genre. “Rise” is no different as they deliver another killer collection of Heavy Metal with twists and turns you don’t always expect.
Take the single “Fire” that features some haunting background vocals. At first I wasn’t quite sure about it, but after a couple listens I appreciated the track more and more as they ventured slightly outside the box. I understand why they released the track but it’s probably not the best representation of the album.
Frontman Mike Tirelli sounds amazing throughout the album, but on “The Elevator” he just crushes it on every note. I had a hard time getting this review as I kept going back and listening to this one and over and over. Not only is this the best track on the album but it has to be near the top of their entire library. Great hooks and song construction with a powerful message.
“Power” is along the same lines at “The Elevator” and another really strong song. “Down” is another nice surprise as it’s got a danceable kind of beat and killer groove. Both these songs could be considered on a “Best Of” compilation in my opinion.
“Hex” and “Jeremiah” have similar vibes and lean more towards a Classic Metal sound, I could understand if they were some people’s favorite songs, but I tend to lean more towards they’re more uptempo material for whatever reason. They do show the diversity of the band though and they’re ability to have more stuff like Black Label Society.
The final couple of tracks were as good as anything else on the album (except for “The Elevator”). “Live To Die” is another Power Metal classic from the band and “Rain” is an heavy and epic cut where they venture into some new places again like they did on “Fire”. It’s a good way to wrap up the album, a little slower track with a nice singalong chorus.
It’s always hard to rank albums, especially when you’re talking decades of music, but I can honestly say this has to be near the top. They obviously put a ton of effort into the album, but production is very solid, the songs and energy are still there so hopefully there’s more bullets in the chamber for Holy Mother.
ALBUM LINE-UP:
Mike Tirelli – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Bass Guitar
Mickey Lyxx – Lead / Rhythm Guitar
Wayne Banks – Bass Guitar
James Harris – Drums, Backing Vocals, second lead vocals on “Rise”
HOLY MOTHER Live:
23.08.2024 FR Champtoceaux – Barbeuk Metal Festival
24.08.2024 FR La Rochelle – Crossroad
FOR MORE INFO VISIT:
https://www.holymotherband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/holymotherband
https://www.instagram.com/holymotherband
https://www.youtube.com/@Holymotherband
https://massacre-records.com/
