Split Heaven – Street Law

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Just a quick look at the cover of Street Law by Mexico’s Split Heaven should give you a quick idea of what to expect. Not so much in regards of style, but where the coming from – a cartoon-like painting with a hot chick and some guys with weapons? This has got to be ’80s-retro, whatever style of metal it might be. Indeed, this is an authentic sounding classic heavy metal record, with the production values to match. Unlike the recent release from Sweden’s Portrait – a retro record that came across as being just too much like what it was imitating – Split Heaven do bring a bit of their own feel to this album. Part of this is the imprint the band’s singer has, a high-pitched, fast and very Mexican wail. This works well with the band’s traditional heavy metal sound, which displays a great deal of proficiency and plenty of guitar lead. Really most everything here works in the band’s favour, but for one thing: the songs aren’t particularly memorable. It sounds the part, the playing is great and the vocals have lots of character, but what this album desperately lacks are identifiably great songs. Whilst Split Heaven have got a lot going for them, for them to rise to something worth recommending, it’ll need something with a bit more kick. As it stands, Street Law is certainly acceptable.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Heavy Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Split Heaven