Review HOLY MOTHER “Rise”

US metal veterans Holy Mother started their second era in 2020. After launching four longplayers between 1995 and 2003, it was the “Face This Burn” release that started a new phase.

Three years after launching their return album, the band from Long Island, NY has recorded their sixth studio album. Simply called “Rise”, the latest effort of the band features ten metal songs, rooted in powerful US metal.

“Fire” was the perfect choice as the lead-off single and is also the opener of the new album. The traditional metal tune was a great appetiser and a fantastic showcase for the sound of Holy Mother.
The band underwent some line-up changes and those seem to be rather beneficial as “Rise” is full of energy and enthusiasm. Mike Tirelli is in the driver’s seat, and he’s got Wayne Banks, Mickey Lyxx and Steve MacQueen right by his side, allowing the singer to realise the musical vision of Holy Mother.

“Rise” includes the kind of metal that makes you want to raise your fist and sing along. Holy Mother stick to their main approach to metal, but they also add variations and twists to their music. “Power” has a Dio-inspired chorus, while “Down” has an almost funky feel. “Live to Die” is fast-paced headbanging metal, followed by the dramatic “Rain”. The Dio references in “Rain” are a great way to finish “Rise”.

Holy Mother might not turn the metal world upside down, but they’re a force to be reckoned with. This is an album that includes some great moments, so everybody digging traditional metal should give “Rise” a listen.