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Damascus -Cold Horizon lp

149.00kr200.00kr

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Description

2018 re-issue with green cover. Black vinyl with 4 page insert. Limited 350 copies

Damascus was a short-lived Liverpool act, best-known for this EP effort, centring on catchy vocal harmonies. This is a recent acquisition for me and sits nicely in my NWOBHM collection. It has a very 70’s sound, with comparisons to Uriah Heep, Blue Oyster Cult and Thin Lizzy being possible. The sound consists of very simplistic guitars, heavy and very audible bass, and simple drums – with a couple of fairly standard guitar leads, and a couple of really nice ones. Overall it’s an enjoyable little record, though unlikely to become an utter favourite in your collection. ‘Something on My Mind’ benefits from some skilful standard soloing before a really cool, extended riff comes in adding a real soulful quality to the song. The song centres on soft vocal melodies, with the prominent guitar riffs in this one adding emotion and drive to the music. Your slow track ‘Cold Horizon’ starts things off with a very melancholic guitar, and sad lyrics. Lyrics are poetic, filled with sad metaphors about sad clowns and the like. Things kick off with spine shattering riffs and heightened vocal delivery throughout – making for an all-round enjoyable ballad. The subject matter doesn’t really grab me as much as it could, but it’s nevertheless a strong, depressive love ballad, with that classic NWOBHM feel. Strong vocal melodies at the end of the song really pick things up, as does a melancholic solo. ‘Midnight Train’ is a more typical NWOBHM track – with that classic, upbeat, fast feel to it. The chorus is pretty cool, again featuring very simple riffs and classic rock vocals – passionate and classic. The title track probably tops the others though – benefitting from a few extra touches – such as the vocal solo introduction, and some playful, prominent bass riffage. This one kicks into a lot of Angel Witch-like guitar riffs, and great vocal harmonies in the chorus – very timeless, and reminiscent of Uriah Heep. This is a great track and really the culmination of the bands elements. The chorus here is phenomenal – the excellent vocal harmonization and very emotive guitar leads afterward are awesome. The original 12’ EP has always been a high priced rarity so its nice to see this 2012 album featuring the complete 12’ together with 5 previously unreleased tracks. If the ‘Cold Horizon’ album had been released to the general public in 1984, it would have received a lot of attention. Unfortunately, however, not many Merseyside metal bands made it big in the 1980’s (maybe apart from Spider who snatched up a couple of prestigious support slots for well-known bands). Damascus bassist Mike Booth explains why: “I’d say the rock scene was low key in the 1980’s. The main Liverpool scene was involved with the post-punk bands like Teardrop Explodes, Echo And The Bunnymen, OMD and loads of others. Bands like Damascus weren’t commercial at that time”. So now it’s your chance to witness a piece of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal history!

Track list:
1. Open Your Eyes
2. Looking For Daylight
3. Another Rainy Day
4. Midnight Train
5. Dreamer
6. Goodbye Harry
7. Something On My Mind
8. Cold Horizon
9. Women In Black

Additional information

Label

High Roller

Catalogue Number

Release Year