Stuka Squadron, 'Tales of the Ost' - Album Review

I buy Classic Rock and Metal Hammer every month. One reason I do that is to hear new bands. For some time now, Metal Hammer has regularly featured a song called "Stuka Squadron" by a band of the same name as part of what it calls "the new wave of traditional metal." I wonder if I'd be as cynical about the NWOBHM if I'd been there for that phrase to be coined? But, I digress.

A year or so later, Stuka Squadron finally have their CD out - Tales of the Ost. The basic plot line is that all the songs are about being in the Luftwaffe and they wear German army gear in their photos and - I presume - on stage. There's obviously scope for this to be offensive, but as it stands, the schtick about them being demon possessed, evil warriors of the air comes across like Manowar: very cheesy but amusing all the same.

Their title song took a long time to grow on me because the way their vocals often follow the riffs seemed a bit pedestrian, but the more I listen to it now, the more I love it. This is exactly the sort of music metal should be - the titles and lyrics at first glance would surely have offended your parents in the 80s, the guitars are heavy, the riffs are good, and they are calling us all to join them as warriors of metal. The verbiage on their website is all ridiculous. They call their fans Squadroneers (like Hammerfall call theirs "templars"). Everything about this band is over the top and ludicrous. I love it.

Comments

[Metalboy!]

The music's really there but the singer ain't. Two octaves higher and these guys would have it all. But, hey, at least it's Rock'n'Roll compared to most of the "Metal" comin' out these days. I'm all for their new movement, "New Wave of Traditional Metal". Now just get some more bands in it that can truly live up to the name.

[Christian]

Hey Metalboy. Names commonly brought up include Bullet ( NOT BFMV ), White Wizzard, Enforcer, Cauldron, Wolf, etc. I have CDs from them all, they are not all awesome. I like Bullet.

[Bob]

I'm with Metalboy -- they really need a new vocalist. Say what you want about Manowar, but Eric Adams can scream with the best of them. If they really want to pull off this bombastic image they're going for, they need someone with the pipes to scream their message to the masses. Without that, they sound like a rock and roll comedy act.

[Shadow]

I really like this band so far. Gotta love the name. Anything compared to what I've heard coming out recently in some circles.

[Gary]

Anybody else notice the first 40 seconds or so of the song Stuka Squadron is HIGHLY reminiscent of Brain Stew from Greenday?? 8>)

[Shadow]

I can kinda hear brain stew but not a lot. This song moves much better.

[Squadron fan]

Listen to the other songs on the album and you will hear Power screams, opera vocals along with the rock and roll grunt!!! Oh and big harmony choruses.

[Metalboy!]

OTSK!!!

[Dave Renegade]

Are you kidding? the vocals are incredible! the guy can certainly sing!! check the out live if you can!

[Wendy]

I'm with you Dave, the vocalist is awesome! This band kicks arse!