When it comes to heavy metal guitar duos, you won’t find many names more respected than Hank Shermann and Michael Denner: Tipton and Downing, Smith and Murray…that’s about it. What Mssrs. Denner and Shermann created with the classic band Mercyful Fate was nothing less than legendary. But Fate has been on the inactive list for many years now, and their subsequent band Force of Evil is also AWOL. The guitar wizardry of the two Danish axemen has gone silent.

Until 2015, that is. That’s when I heard an EP titled “Satan’s Tomb” by the bluntly named Denner/ Shermann. It was like two old friends returning after a long absence. The melodic, classically inclined shredding mixed with speedy riffs was a breath of fresh air from the crypt. Add in the awesome vocal stylings of Sean Peck (also with Cage and Death Dealer) and you have a band that all true metal fans can devour with relish.

In an interview with Mr. Peck last year, he told me that Satan’s Tomb was just a warm-up for the upcoming full-length. Well, here it is and let the headbanging begin. This will surely rank high on the 2016 year-end list,s and anyone who is a fan of Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Judas Priest or Cage will find it irresistible!

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

This sets the tone for the rest of the album brilliantly. Gritty guitar riffs and the awesome vocals of Sean Peck are terrific, but when you hear the exquisite lead work of Shermann and Denner, it takes you back to the classic Mercyful Fate albums Melissa and Don’t Break The Oath. As much as I love King Diamond, he just does not have the pure god-like tones of Mr.Peck, who brings Geoff Tate and Ripper Owens to mind.