Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
In recent times former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di’anno’s health issues have been widely publicised and alongside this understandably has been a lengthy time away from live performance but through sheer perseverance, talent and a loyal fanbase the frontman is back where he belongs microphone in hand to unveil his latest creation Warhorse.
This icon of heavy metal with the heart of a punk rock rebel has surround himself with talented musicians for this project alongside a multitude of guest appearances including Becky Baldwin and Nikolina Belan
Kicking of proceedings is title track Warhorse, which is nothing short of pure fire, it is laden with classic metal elements, full of intent and injected with a whirlwind of creativity which spirals into spectacular follow up track Get Get Ready which already has all the elements to be a certain live favourite.
Although short Go has some nice soundscapes which serves a great introduction to the alluring battle cry of Stop The War which is easily the albums crowning glory, something that Dianno has not lost over time is that smooth tone to his voice that underpins everything.
The Doubt within does a fantastic job of showcasing the collective musicianship on this project as every element just naturally compliments the other effortlessly whereas Here Comes The Night feels like it was written for an 80’s soundtrack with its huge drum patters and overall sense of grandeur.
Moving into a highly amusing cover of Tequila had me chuckling all the way into the melodic sway of Forever Bound which send me back to the first time I picked up Maidens self-titled debut, especially Remember Tomorrow which this has droves of with a modern delivery – the looping riff is particularly enjoyable.
Not missing a beat is follow up Precious which gallops into the albums final offering Going Home which is incredibly polished which concludes this offering of skill, determination and mostly a burning love for metal.
Paul Di’Anno speaking about his new album, “Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse is my first studio project after many years of being away from the studio and not performing.
I remember when we announced that we were recording an album in Croatia with completely unknown musicians, many were shocked and no one knew in which direction we would go. Warhorse exudes pure
energy and reflects everything I went through while recording the album.”
Warhorse Track listing.
1. Warhorse
2. Get Get Ready
3. Go
4. Stop The War
5. The Doubt Within
6. Here Comes The Night
7. Tequila
8. Forever Bound
9. Precious
10. Going Home
Line-up:
Paul Di´Anno – Vocals
Hrvoje Madiraca – Guitars
Ante Pupačić Pupi – Guitars
https://www.facebook.com/WarhorseBandOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/pauldiannowarhorse
https://www.youtube.com/@warhorse859
7/10