MORE
Destructor
MORE have returned with their long awaited third studio album, Destructor, a record that carries extra weight for the band. Not only does it mark their first full length release in more than four decades, it also stands as the final production completed by legendary producer Chris Tsangarides.
The London heavy metal outfit first emerged in the late seventies and were very much entrenched in the second wave of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Early albums Warhead and Blood & Thunder helped establish their reputation with sharp riffs and a direct, no nonsense approach to metal that sat comfortably alongside the rising British scene of the early eighties.
The London heavy metal outfit first emerged in the late seventies and were very much entrenched in the second wave of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Early albums Warhead and Blood & Thunder helped establish their reputation with sharp riffs and a direct, no nonsense approach to metal that sat comfortably alongside the rising British scene of the early eighties.
Destructor continues in that spirit. With ten tracks of heavy metal goodness, an album with more riffs than you can shake a very large stick at, MORE showcase the very best of the genre. Kicking off with Hearts On Fire that builds from an atmospheric intro to the powerful vocals of Mike Freeland. Right from the moment the vocals kick in, you know you are in for real musical treat. Not only is it an awesome track, it tackles the subject of cancer and the determination of the people it affects, something that is very hard for many to talk about so it is really good to hear them facing it head on.
Never mind heavy metal, the second track Rocquiem is solid gold, with a nod to the likes of Ace of Spades and Number of the Beast, it is a song that would have sounded fantastic alongside either of those songs. With heavy riffs breaking into soaring guitar work and a groove that keeps things moving throughout, its only track two and already Destructor feels an album that needs to be played on repeat.
There is so much to be happy about on this album, the speed and vocal harmonies of Immortal and the traditional heavy metal sound of Wolf Behind Your Eyes keeping things interesting. With the album closing out with More, an almost anthemic song that defines everything that the band's sound is about. Heavy drum fills, stunning riffs and crushing it with those squealing guitars, while the vocals are just as powerful as the opening track. What a way to end an epic the journey of this gem of an album.
Never mind heavy metal, the second track Rocquiem is solid gold, with a nod to the likes of Ace of Spades and Number of the Beast, it is a song that would have sounded fantastic alongside either of those songs. With heavy riffs breaking into soaring guitar work and a groove that keeps things moving throughout, its only track two and already Destructor feels an album that needs to be played on repeat.
There is so much to be happy about on this album, the speed and vocal harmonies of Immortal and the traditional heavy metal sound of Wolf Behind Your Eyes keeping things interesting. With the album closing out with More, an almost anthemic song that defines everything that the band's sound is about. Heavy drum fills, stunning riffs and crushing it with those squealing guitars, while the vocals are just as powerful as the opening track. What a way to end an epic the journey of this gem of an album.
The album itself has taken an unusual path to release. The final mixes were completed by Chris Tsangarides shortly before his passing in 2017. Years later bassist Baz Nicholls recovered the recordings from studio equipment that had been left behind after the facility closed. The material was then mastered in Los Angeles by Maor Appelbaum before finally being completed in 2025.
Today’s lineup features Baz Nicholls on bass alongside guitarist Peter Welsh, drummer Steve Rix and vocalist Mike Freeland. With Destructor, the band reconnect with the heavy sound that built their reputation while proving there is still plenty of life left in the MORE name.
Touring begins in May with a London show at the Cart & Horses, the well known venue often associated with the early days of Iron Maiden.
Today’s lineup features Baz Nicholls on bass alongside guitarist Peter Welsh, drummer Steve Rix and vocalist Mike Freeland. With Destructor, the band reconnect with the heavy sound that built their reputation while proving there is still plenty of life left in the MORE name.
Touring begins in May with a London show at the Cart & Horses, the well known venue often associated with the early days of Iron Maiden.