[1985] Glacier - Glacier EP

Though Glacier weren’t late comers to the early 80’s power/heavy scene, for some reason they were buried deep in the stockpile of bands that were releasing considerably decent, retro material. The band was born in 1979, and their entire discography is adorned with only three releases, two demos, and this, their Ep. It’s quite obvious that Glacier was not intending on doing heavy, exceedingly fast or intense music, and even if they wanted to, the hindrance that is time would be blocking their way. The Ep isn’t even on par with some of the better, more sophisticated acts like Jag Panzer or Fates Warning, often preferring a light overtone to fit the classically decorated traditional heavy/power texture, with a diminishing raw production quality put on top of that, and overall it becomes obvious that Glacier built their five-track Ep upon some of the more classic sounding aesthetics of the genre.

The rawness of the production renders the music itself sharp and crisp, despite picking on riffs that aren’t so hefty. Though throughout the fire tracks that the Ep offers you’ll find an adequate measure of variation, which, mostly reflects the band’s propensity for catchy, hooking material, churning traditional speed metal qualities with power metal traits, there will be a gradual inclination towards an epic touch, most notably on the first two tracks. It’s not a grandiose feeling, but as many of the band’s proponents, the epic sense of the music culminates in the chorus sequence, flaring a soulful mood in the listener, and once triggered with some backup vocals, the combination becomes truly beguiling, if not wholly indulging the listener in burgeoning elegy.

And interesting fact about the Ep is that it consisted of three vocalists, Keith Flax doing ‘’When Heaven’s At Hand’’, Rex Macnew on ‘’Vandetta’’ and Mike Podrybaou on vocal duties on the remaining three songs. This is an interesting element to add to the music because each of the vocalists espouse somewhat of a different touch to the tracks, varying according to their styles, apparently. Keith Flax sounds totally like Ozzy, which is not something I’m complaining about, and Podrybaou is an efficient singer, as he swipes fluently through the finalizing tracks, which prove to the brisker excursions than the first two songs. I wouldn’t really call ‘’Glacier’’ a mind-boggling release, but it semi-complexity pervades and the structures still remain captivating. ‘’Glacier’’ is not essential by any means, though with its classic fluctuations, deep, minor leads thrilling about and excellent share of melody, it makes for a worthy listen.

Hymns Of Brilliance

When Heaven's At Hand

Ready For Battle

Speak No Evil

Conclusion

[8.1/10]