Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
FATAL CURSE is: Dave Gruver (guitar/vocals), Mike Bowen (bass/vocals), Chris Bowen (drums)
REVIEW – If you’re looking for pure, unfiltered speed metal with the spirit of the early ’80s, then ‘Breaking the Trance’ by FATAL CURSE will hit you like a sledgehammer. Released via Shadow Kingdom Records, this debut full-length is a ripping throwback to the glory days of American power metal and European speed metal, executed with tight precision, relentless energy, and a heavy dose of old-school fire.
The title track “Breaking the Trance” kicks the record off in full throttle, racing down the metal highway with razor-sharp riffs and searing vocals. It’s speed metal with purpose—quick, aggressive, and anthemic. Next up is “Blade in the Dark”, an absolute fist-in-the-air burner filled with driving drums and chunky rhythm guitar work. This one evokes classic vibes from early Virgin Steele and Thin Lizzy’s heavier edge.
“Gang Life” comes through with chainsaw riffing and a gritty, underground feel. The song’s tough edge and rapid-fire groove make it one of the more muscular cuts on the record. On “Can’t Stop the Thunder”, the trio delivers a two-minute blitz of classic metal mayhem, packed with dynamic tempo shifts and soaring guitar leads. It’s pure adrenaline.
“Chains of Eternity” dials into a hard-hitting groove, with a pounding bassline and memorable chorus that’s ready to fill underground clubs with headbanging chaos. Then comes “Priestess of Fire”, the album’s longest and most atmospheric track. Starting slow and doomy before erupting into classic heavy metal gallop, it shows FATAL CURSE’s ability to shift moods while maintaining intensity.
Closing out the album is “Eyes of the Demon”, a song built for late-night highway rides and dimly lit venues. It rides on a killer chugging rhythm, tight double-bass drumming, and snarling vocals that channel pure NWOBHM energy.
‘Breaking the Trance’ is more than just a tribute to the old gods of metal—it’s a fresh yet fiercely loyal continuation of that legacy. FATAL CURSE doesn’t just play heavy metal—they live it.
For more information on FATAL CURSE, visit:
www.FatalCurse.Bandcamp.com
www.Facebook.com/FatalCurse
www.Instagram.com/Fatal_Curse
www.Spotify.com/Artist/FatalCurse
