Blitzkrieg - A Time of Changes Review

Blitzkrieg are a band with a history and as you know, my child of the night, I love bands with history. This album “A Time of Changes” is the reissue of the 1985 original that was recorded a few years after the band disbanded. In fact, Blitzkrieg had never released a full length before. They recorded the legendary debut 7” “Buried Alive” b/w “Blitzkrieg” and that’s all. Due to problems in the line-up, the band split in the end of 1981 after a seminal gig at Tonypandy in Wales. “A Time of Changes” was build up with new recordings of old favourites such as “Blitzkrieg,” “Armageddon” and “Inferno” plus legendary tracks such as “A Time of Changes,” “Hell to Pay,” “Vikings” and “Saviour.”

Musicwise, “A Time of Changes” is a gem of the 1980s NWOBHM even though a little late in 1985 as its sonancy brings the early Metal music done in the decade. However, if the fan consider that most of the tracks were effectively recorded in 1981 things are even. Intro “Ragnarok” still sounds pretty modern due to the use of syntethizers and other electronic effects. I almost gave up because of it, but I gave the band the chance to go on. The bad feeling goes away when “Inferno” comes to town with its tight drumming and corrosive guitar riff. Basslines here are also very interesting and don’t sound as part of the song. The fan will notice that guitar riff was build up under a pentatonic phrasing, a very common thing in the 1980s. In the following track “Blitzkrieg” the guitar riff in the beginning reminds a lot the main riffing in Focus “Hocus Pocus” though performed in other tone and a little faster. But soon the riff changes and the song acquires its own path. I also noticed that many songs that I heard through Chariot was rewally from Blitzkrieg. Fun fact is that now I know where some clichès come from. But let’s not be so harsh with our beloved bands, there are features so much used that are impossible to track down who started.

The general feeling that “A Time of Changes” leaves to the fan is of an album that could have been a reference to many Metal bands. It’s the album that ‘could be’ but never was. Such a pity. There are lots of interesting and exciting ideas in the album. “A Time of Changes” is to be heard in very high volume with your leather and spiked bracelet held high.

Blitzkrieg “A Time of Changes” will be reissued in February 26th via High Roller Records.

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