ATKINS/MAY REVIEW

Billing itself as a collision between good and evil, Atkins May Project returns for their second outing Valley Of Shadows, with the original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins once again teaming up with Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May, who has also worked with the likes of Roy Wood (Wizzard/ELO). I wasn't fortunate enough to hear the duo's first effort together, Serpent's Kiss - and in truth, I had all but dismissed the idea of someone harking back to their time in a band (some 39 years ago now) who went on to become seminal members of the world's metal scene, being able to hack it now. In fairness to Atkins, he not only sang with early incarnations of Judas Priest, but without him the band wouldn't exist and his time with them predates that of any of the men who went on to make the name famous throughout the lands. However having been lucky to have a copy of Valley Of Shadows plop onto my door mat, it now looks like I'll be going back and snapping up that debut, as this is a top notch slice of fiery, exuberant heavy metal in the style of....wait for it..... Judas Priest!

Atkins isn't a singer possessing bags of finesses, or a voice liable to croon you to sleep, but that's a good thing, as otherwise guitarist Paul May would swamp him with the gargantuan riffs of the galloping "No Ordinary Man", or the stomping anthem of "Enslaved To Love". But this is a team effort with both halves of the duo working hard to keep up with the other, as spit-firing riffs are chased through the air by powerful rasping vocals. Refined this is not, hard hitting, in your face it is. Then add to the maelstrom a production that slaps you round the head when you're not looking and the fact that (and I'm guessing here, but no one other than Atkins or May is credited in the booklet or press release) the programmed drums are the best of this variety I've heard and Valley Of Shadows really packs a punch. Especially when it runs at full pelt, as it does during the fret burning, guitar solo salvo of "Stronger Is The Grace", or Thin Lizzy inspired instrumental "Messiah (Prelude)".

Surprisingly for an album that has rock, rolled, brawled and mauled for its first eight numbers, the eight minute title track and "The Shallowing (Return)", which together close things out, bring a more introspective, reserved outlook. It may not be the obvious end to an otherwise muscular excursion, but the poised guitar work from May and controlled rasp from Atkins makes both songs convincing and memorable.

Sporting as the debut did, a fabulous, trademark cover from Rodney Matthews, Valley Of Shadows is a classy album from start to finish and one that packs a far mightier punch than I'd initially anticipated.

Track Listing 
1. Welcome to the Nightmare 
2. No Ordinary Man 
3. Bitter Waters 
4. Enslaved to Love 
5. Stronger Is the Grace 
6. Harder They Fall 
7. Not Ready to Die Today 
8. Messiah (Prelude) 
9. Valley of Shadows 
10. The Shallowing (Return)

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO

Valley of Shadows CD - £9.99

The Serpents Kiss CD - £9.99