| Betrayer’s self-titled album is a passionate tribute to classic heavy metal, filtered through the aggression and precision of early thrash. Hailing from Canada, the band confidently channels the spirit of Rust in Peace-era Megadeth and Piece of Mind-era Iron Maiden, delivering a polished yet fiery collection of tracks that feel both familiar and energized.
The musicianship is sharp throughout, with guitarists Bill Lozon and Jeff Klingbeil trading blazing leads and harmonized riffs that evoke the genre’s golden age. Tracks like “New Horizons” stand out for their melodic complexity and tasteful bass flourishes, while “Transformation” captures the band’s ability to balance grit with grandeur.
Klingbeil’s vocal performance is powerful and theatrical, drawing comparisons to iconic frontmen like Klaus Meine and Michael Sweet. His delivery adds an emotional punch to the more dramatic tracks, particularly on the anthemic “Beyond the Grave.” While the band occasionally veers into overindulgence—“Spirit of the Maker” being the most obvious case—the sincerity behind the performance keeps things compelling.
The album is unabashedly retro, wearing its influences on its sleeve. But rather than sounding stale, Betrayer’s commitment to this sound comes across as a heartfelt celebration of the genre. For fans of classic metal with a thrash edge, this is a tight, well-executed album that delivers on its promise.
Highlights: “New Horizons,” “Transformation”
Verdict: Nostalgic yet skillful, Betrayer is a must-hear for old-school metal devotees.
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