Matterhorn have been playing covers of classic metal songs since 2009. Hailing from Adelaide, the band has a dedicated fan base and has shared the stage with legends like Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens of Judas Priest and Paul Di’Anno of Iron Maiden fame. This seven-track EP is their first recorded release and it covers songs from bands such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath.
The release is exactly what its title suggests; a tasty collection of rocking covers. Matterhorn deliver these songs with power and passion, displaying their love for the music by doing faithful tribute to the source material. Amanda Ozolins’ voice is an engine of metal, pumping energy into each track without holding back. The strength of her voice is most notable in the opening strains of ‘Immigrant Song’; Robert Plant’s classic wails given a fresh power.
The instrumentalists are Brendan Ozolins on guitar, Steve Opitz on bass and Jaryd Dorey on drums. These guys do not drop a note. There is no fanciful reworking, no egotistical urge to mark each song with their own brand of music – there is only the tightness and professionalism of consummate musicians performing music they love. This is perhaps the only problem with the release. The covers are exemplary, you could not wish for better, but they are just covers. There is nothing particularly new here.
That said, I cannot help but nod my head to each and every track because they’re all rocking. Each time I listen I like it a little more. The band plans an album of original songs next year and I look forward to seeing what they can produce. For true fans of rock metal indeed.
3.5/5 stars
BY JESSE HAYWARD
For True Fans Of Rock Metalis out now independently.
