Sabretooth have not resuscitated 1980s-inspired hard rock in S.A. They’ve merely tested its waters. This six- piece is characterised by the unrelenting shredding of their boisterous guitar riffs, some of which border on complete self-indulgence (“Burn Away My Guise” and “Will and Testament”). But once past the formulaic lyrics and clichéd addition of ringing church bells, a clear synergy can be felt between elements of progressive and melodic metal. Their neo-classical keyboard shreds display a delicate mixture of classical and progressive metal melodies, and Damian Rijkers’ standout drumming on tracks like “Take Me In” smacks of Avenged Sevenfold circa The Rev’s later work. Sabretooth even conquer the power ballad, on which Mauri Moncada’s vocals are best put to use.

Key Tracks: “Bleed You Dry”, “Take Me In”, “Tomorrow’s Gone”