Review RUTHLESS “Curse of the Beast”

It was the golden age of heavy metal when a band called Ruthless released Discipline of Steel. The album earned a respectable amount of attention in the underground scene, but with so many legendary acts dominating the metal landscape at the time, Ruthless never quite managed to break into the top tier. The band called it quits in 1988, and for most fans, that seemed to be the end of the story.

Things took an unexpected turn in 2008. Two decades after the band’s breakup, vocalist Sammy DeJohn resurrected Ruthless, and the group has been surprisingly prolific ever since. Having already released three full-length albums since their return, the band is now back with Curse of the Beast, another powerful dose of traditional heavy metal.

The album opens with the atmospheric intro “The Blood Moon,” which slowly awakens the beast before seamlessly handing things over to the blistering title track. “Curse of the Beast” is a crushing metal anthem firmly rooted in classic heavy metal. At times, the song evokes the early days of Metal Church, making it an excellent point of reference for listeners who may not yet be familiar with Ruthless.

“Berserker” follows as a relentless headbanger, with DeJohn’s commanding vocal performance taking center stage. His voice covers an impressive range, adding depth and character to these metallic wrecking balls. The opening of “Suffocation Fear” echoes the spirit of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal before developing into a driving power metal anthem, highlighted by one of DeJohn’s soaring screams.

The album never loses momentum. The second half is every bit as strong as the opening stretch. “Sign of the Cross” casts its spell with galloping rhythms and riffs that carry a distinct Accept influence. Ruthless then shifts into a higher gear with “Killed By Fate,” a furious, no-frills metal assault that keeps the energy levels high.

Speaking of classic influences, Curse of the Beast also features a cover of Judas Priest’s “Metal Gods.” Ruthless wisely stays close to the original while injecting just enough of their own identity to make the song feel fresh. They preserve the spirit of the metal classic while giving it a subtle Ruthless flavor.

Curse of the Beast is a superbly crafted traditional metal album. Ruthless is no longer simply a reunited band—they have firmly reestablished themselves as a force in today’s heavy metal scene and arguably enjoy a stronger presence now than they did during their original run. Curse of the Beast is a true headbanger’s delight.