Alive and kicking - A review of Turbokill's Turbokill

Turbokill is a young, new and hungry heavy metal band from Eastern Germany. Charismatic singer Stephan ''Heiko'' Dietrich once was the singer in now-defunct heavy metal band Alpha Tiger. Turbokill has obviously a similar style but sounds unique enough to be exciting and relevant. The enthusiastic quintet reminds me of American youngsters Klaymore.

The eponymous debut EP includes four melodic up-tempo heavy metal tracks. The production fits perfectly. The rhythm and lead guitar work sounds fresh. The bass guitar is quite domineering which is typical for classic heavy metal music. The drum sound is a little bit dry but gives the release a cool touch. The skilled melodic and at times high-pitched vocals blend in perfectly.

The song writing is of a high quality as well. The four tracks are short and concise with interesting instrumental passages, powerful verses and often memorable choruses. The timeless opening band anthem ''Turbokill'' is overall the best song and will probably be in the band's set list for concerts until the end of days. The closing ''War Thunder'' is probably the most diversified track and especially the melodic instrumental section is truly energizing.

If you like classic heavy metal of the eighties from bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Saxon with a fresh touch, you should give Turbokill's self-titled debut EP a few spins. Let's hope the band carries on as there might be great things ahead. The metal scene always needs young musicians honoring traditional heavy metal to keep this essential sub-genre alive.

Final rating: 80%