Blaze Bayley has been through an awful lot in the last several years, and rather than go through all of that stuff, it's best to key in on what he's done in the studio on this hot new release. There is no denying the metal force that Bayley is, and he makes the point ever so clear that he does not mess around. He is a very self confident individual who's message is to not let anyone push you around or shape your life by their bad influence. He pleads to the average man that everyone has a purpose and got here that way and will leave this earth that way the same. The King Of Metal is a breath of fresh air if you're a fan of Bayley’s. If not you probably will be after you get a load of this hot slab of black country metal, the same kind his former fellow rockers Iron Maiden, as well as Judas Priest, Pantera and others play. His band is in full force here, with a sound that can't be beaten. At times it even gets operatic in an acceptable way for any hard rock fan. This album is a statement, one that Bayley is out to make with a vengeance.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Instant pile driving comes on strong from the drums and everything joins in as the chant begins. This is insanely rapid with speeds reaching terminal velocity as it soars downward into the ground like a jackhammer taking everything with it as it goes. Bayley runs the show with a killer lyric that hits right home with all the wit to knock 15 politicians out of their thrones. This is virtually awesome!

 A piano gives a surprising wrinkle to the mix, but it's really just a set up for Baley's operatic vocal, which is interesting and very cool. He sings about taking steps, one by one, and you just can't deny its menacing charm. This is a very commanding vocal performance with a melodic hook to it that just pleases. I would like to hear this one vocal track separated from the music, just to see how it sounds without backing.

Again, the pace is mesmerizing and the vocals are beefy as a bull. The singing here is lyrically to the point of the title as anyone can imagine being judged. He really hits home with some of these words, “you haven't done what I've done,” and “I don't think I'm better than you / Just better than you think I am.” Out of everything on offer here, this is my pick for the best track. This is totally incendiary on every level!