Holy Grail

Spawned from a deep appreciation for Judas Priest, but propelled by the epic tendencies of European power metal, a kinship with the likes of White Wizzard and the obligatory hyperactivity and chug riffs of thrash metal, heavy balladeers Holy Grail have a rather well-rounded spectrum of adrenaline-pumping resources to play on with the intense, yet short, Improper Burial EP. Opening with "Fight To Kill," a tune 3 Inches Of Blood would have died to write, thanks to the searing solos and equally-soaring vocal operatics, the effort shifts into a darker atmosphere with second original tune "Immortal Man," a piece Dio would be proud of. Amusingly, the EP's successive tunes are covers of Priest's "Exciter" and Accept's "Fast As A Shark." While both are great choices that showcase Holy Grail's inherent abilities, they aren't quite as compelling as more of their original material would have been. Still, they are clean versions that confirm the quartet's obvious sources of inspiration, ensuring Improper Burial piques interest in future releases.