By Rob Thompson
Is traditional British Metal alive and well? Are bands that worship at the altar of Priest, Saxon and Maiden still relevant in 2014? Well, I say a definite YES to both questions as East Anglia’s Kaine are keeping the flag flying for a genre which for me typifies what real Metal should sound like. While Death Metal has its place, Kaine aren’t afraid to play a brand of traditional Heavy Metal that is both a stirring and uplifting throwback to the finest era in metal (in my opinion) NWOBHM. I’m always pleased to hear a band doing justice to the classic sound of my youth and while they are clearly influenced by the Metal Gods of yesteryear, they don’t just slavishly copy them, rather they add their own particular fresh spin.
Formed back in 2009 by Rage Sadler (guitars/vocals) and Dan Mailer (bass/vocals) they have played over ninety shows to date and supported acts such as Praying Mantis, Absolva, Thornwill, Striker, Screamer and The Raven Age. The first single from the album 'Iron Lady' (see below) screams of British steel and has been steadily been racking up views since being released on YouTube:
When listening to new album The Waystone I tried to figure out why it sounded distinctly English? I concluded that each track was actually an amalgam of several classic metal songs of old, each riff or time change resembling an awesome Metal tune of days gone past. Each song was new, different and yet very familiar all at the same time.
Compositionally, the nine tracks presented on The Waystone shows that Kaine clearly understands how to create blistering Metal with harmonies that resonate class, commanding choruses and crushing (and surprisingly complex) riffs. The record employs a multitude of ideas, which fuse the best of the past with bang up to date thunder, energy and vigour. The only minor criticism I had about the album was the lack of Rob Halford like heavy metal high notes. Anthony Murch blasts out some seriously good solos, underpinned by the clunking bass and the whole endeavour is built upon rock solid drumming by Chris MacKinnon.
The album itself was recorded in five days at Angry Bee Studios in London and produced by Akis K, and mastered by Z-Plane. The production is first class and is crisp, clear and clean. Each instrument is balanced perfectly in the mix and allowed to shine in all the right places.
The Waystone shows Kaine as a rising force in traditional Metal and with this release I truly hope that the band gets the recognition they richly deserve. This is the sort of music, which makes you glad that the searing Heavy Metal of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest will live on in years to come.
