War Cloud have been slowly rising as a very versatile band in the traditional metal community. Their last two releases had some very catchy stuff on them with sound that seem to combine Thin Lizzy with mid 80s Tank in glorious hard rockin' fashion. Their newest album "The Earhammer Sessions" definitely has an interesting take to it. It was recorded live at Earhammer studios in Oakland and effectively is the band taking some of their best tunes and putting a more in your face spin on them.
Right away, I can say this album for being live in studio is recorded fantastically, for the most part. The guitars are super in your face and both equally audible. I also have to note the vocals are way more raw and full of grit than on the albums giving a more motorhead-ish vibe to them. The only issue is that the bass seems just ever so slightly low which definitely could be boosted a bit more in the mix .The band opens with the hard rockin "Vulture City" and heads into one of my favorite tunes with "Give'r". This might be the definitive version of that song as well because the extra raw feeling of the band playing it right then and there with little to no polish. "Chopper Wired" definitely has some bluesier hard rock riffing to it and again this version is just as in your face as it gets. The version of "White Lightning" here is pretty damn great as well with the band just going for the throat. It sounds very distinct from the "State of Shock" version which is exactly what this album achieves in making these songs sound even heavier. "Divide and Conquer" has a good balance of heaviness and melody and is done very well in this live setting. "Tomahawk" is pure speed metal excellence as the album ends with the explosions of "Speed Demon" and "Striker" ending a very fun in your face live album.
Overall, War cloud have essentially created a greatest hits sort to speak of their first two albums in a live setting. It works very well as these are essential versions of these songs that really show off the raw and tight nature of this band. These guys are really a hidden gem from Oakland and this album is definitely a good place to start to ease you back into discovering their full lengths.
8/10
