Hopefully Sacrilege will get some of the acclaim with this release having missed out on first time.

The story of Sacrilege began in 1982, when singer and guitarist Bill Beadle formed the band. With record label interest and a possible Iron Maiden support slot, all looked promising for the band. But misfortune struck when the drummer injured his hand and they lost that opportunity.

Nevertheless, an album called 'Gates Of Hell' was put together, albeit in demo form only. Beadle kept the band going until 1987 whereupon he walked away from the music scene to start a family.

After various line-up changes a consistent group emerged comprising of Beadle on vocals and guitar, Neil Turnbull (ex-Dervish) on drums, Tony Vanner on lead and Jeff Rolland on bass and backing vocals. In the space of two months they have quickly made up for lost time, recently releasing the compilation 'Ashes To Ashes' (which provides an outline from the early 1980s to the present day) and now a brand new album entitled 'Six6Six'.

Keeping the influence of NWOBHM but with a modern shine to the music has served the band well. The opening guitar riff of 'Welcome To The Dragons Den' takes us back to a more simple style of Dark Rock, the type that Witchfynde and Demon made a name with. The music is unpretentious and honest which is refreshing.

'Lucifer's Soldiers' has a sinister sneer among the old-school Metal traits, the riffs are slow and moody, and the droning vocals bring to mind the band Candlemass. 'In Hell' is a little to close to the song 'Black Sabbath' in structure for my liking. Fortunately 'Sanctuary' supplies a penetrating guitar and a climatic chorus, while 'Forever After' delivers some old-school Doom Rock.

Hopefully Sacrilege will get some of the acclaim with this release having missed out on first time.

Ray Paul