Description

Black vinyl with insert. Limited 150 copies

Midlands outfit Cloven Hoof must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. The origins of the group go back to the year 1979, when they first formed under the name of Nightstalker. In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: Cloven Hoof. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney and main man Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of Earth, Fire, Water and Air. After recording demo versions of songs such as Return Of The Passover and Nightstalker, Cloven Hoof issued their debut vinyl 12″ EP The Opening Ritual on Elemental Music in 1982. In 1984, the self-titled Cloven Hoof album was released, followed by Fighting Back (1986), Dominator (1988) and A Sultan’s Ransom (1989). After splitting up in the 1990s, Cloven Hoof returned with a new line-up and a new record called Eye Of The Sun in 2006. In 2014, Resist Or Serve was recorded, followed by Who Mourns For The Morning Star (2017). The album was a bit of a game changer for the band, as they were able to tour with it in North America for the first time in their career. Since then, Cloven Hoof have issued two more studio albums, Age Of Steel in 2020 and Time Assassins in 2022. With songs like Do What Thou Wilt, Sabbat Stones and The Summoning their 2024 album Heathen Cross is Cloven Hoof’s most dark and heavy album yet! It has the Satanic undertones of our debut album, but with the best vocalist the group has ever had. Personally speaking it is hands down my favourite Cloven Hoof album. We wanted to recapture the spirit and the supernatural majesty of the debut album. Talking to the fans we have given them what they wanted most, a return to the roots of the NWOBHM. They are going to love it!” The bassist is indeed full of praise for the band’s new vocalist, enter a certain Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin, of all people: Harry Conklin is a world-class vocalist. He is super dedicated and highly professional and we knew he would fit in the band seamlessly. His vocal performance on the album raises the band to new heights, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear him. Harry is an astounding singer, he is so versatile. He can sing high, low and always with power and passion. He knows how to live and sell a song. Harry is like an actor telling a story, no one interprets my lyrics like Mr. Conklin. I can’t praise him enough. We should have worked together years ago.”

Track list:
1. Benediction
2. Redeemer
3. Do What Thou Wilt
4. Last Man Standing
5. Darkest Before The Dawn
6. Vendetta
7. Curse Of The Gypsy
8. Frost And Fire
9. Sabbat Stones
10. The Summoning