Show N Tell – ‘Eyes Of Evil’

(Independent)

There is something wonderfully timeless about traditional Heavy Metal when it is delivered with conviction, attitude and a genuine appreciation for everything that makes the genre so enduring. Big riffs, thunderous rhythms, commanding vocals and melodies that refuse to leave the head are the essential ingredients, and when a band gets that combination right, the results can be enormously satisfying. Show N Tell's Eyes Of Evil arrives with its sights firmly set on those classic Heavy Metal foundations, offering an album that celebrates the power, excitement and unapologetic spirit of traditional metal.

This is music that understands its roots. There is no need to chase passing trends, experiment with fashionable production techniques or dilute the heaviness with unnecessary distractions. Instead, Show N Tell concentrate on what matters: powerful guitar work, driving rhythms, memorable melodies and an unmistakable Heavy Metal attitude. Eyes Of Evil is an album built around the fundamentals, and there is something particularly refreshing about a band embracing that approach with such enthusiasm.

Daniel Dobbs and David Rodriguez’s guitar work is naturally central to the album's identity. Traditional Heavy Metal lives and dies by its riffs, and there is plenty here to enjoy for anyone who appreciates a strong, muscular guitar sound. The material carries that familiar combination of crunching rhythm guitars, melodic lead passages and energetic soloing that has been part of the genre's DNA for decades. There is an appreciation of the classic metal vocabulary throughout, with the guitars providing both the aggression and the melodic character that give the album its personality.

Importantly, the heaviness is not simply about volume or distortion. There is an understanding that memorable Heavy Metal needs more than a collection of heavy riffs thrown together. It needs movement, dynamics and hooks that make the listener want to return for another spin. Show N Tell demonstrate an appreciation for those qualities, balancing the harder-edged elements with melodic touches that give the music an accessible and enjoyable character.

The rhythm section provides the necessary muscle, keeping everything moving with a solid, energetic foundation. Mike Thomas’s drums bring the drive and weight expected from traditional metal, while Cade Gardner’s bass helps reinforce the underlying power. Together, they provide a platform for the guitars to stretch out and deliver their heavier moments without losing the sense of momentum. There is a pleasing directness to the arrangements, allowing the music to breathe while retaining that essential feeling of forward motion.

One of the most appealing aspects of traditional Heavy Metal is its ability to combine darkness and drama with an uplifting sense of musical excitement. The genre has always thrived on larger-than-life themes, powerful emotions and an almost theatrical approach to songwriting. Eyes Of Evil sits comfortably within that tradition, drawing upon the familiar imagery and atmosphere that have made Heavy Metal such a distinctive musical world. There is a sense of drama running through the album, but it is balanced by the sheer enjoyment of hearing a band deliver unapologetically heavy music.

The album's overall sound also helps reinforce its traditional credentials. This is music that feels connected to the golden years of Heavy Metal, when bands built their reputations through memorable riffs, strong musicianship and songs that translated just as effectively through speakers as they did on a concert stage. There is a certain honesty to that approach. Rather than attempting to reinvent the genre, Show N Tell appear comfortable working within its established boundaries, concentrating on delivering material that captures the spirit of classic metal.

That does not mean Eyes Of Evil feels like an exercise in nostalgia. Traditional Heavy Metal remains an exciting genre precisely because its essential ingredients are so effective when handled properly. A commanding guitar riff, a strong vocal melody and a chorus with enough character to demand another listen can be just as thrilling today as they were decades ago. Show N Tell understand the appeal of those fundamentals, and the album benefits from that commitment.

There is also an important sense of identity to the record. Across its ten-song running time, Eyes Of Evil maintains a recognisable musical direction, giving the album a degree of consistency that makes it work as a complete listening experience. It is the kind of record that rewards being played from beginning to end, rather than simply dipping into individual moments. The traditional metal aesthetic is maintained throughout, and there is a welcome sense of purpose behind the band's approach.

For fans of classic Heavy Metal, that familiarity is likely to be a considerable part of the attraction. Anyone who grew up appreciating the genre's traditional sound will recognise the ingredients immediately: the guitar-driven arrangements, the dramatic atmosphere, the emphasis on melody and the determination to keep things heavy. There is a particular pleasure in hearing music that remembers what made Heavy Metal so exciting in the first place.

Ultimately, Eyes Of Evil is about celebrating a style of music that continues to stand proudly on its own merits. Show N Tell have delivered an album that looks towards the traditions of Heavy Metal while embracing the energy and enthusiasm that keep the genre alive. It is guitar-led, unapologetically heavy and rooted in the melodic possibilities that have always made traditional metal so appealing.

Eyes Of Evil is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to turn up the amplifiers, unleash the guitars and let traditional Heavy Metal do the talking. For those who appreciate their metal with plenty of attitude, melody and classic heavy firepower, Show N Tell have something worth investigating.

‘Out For Blood’ is a powerful way to kick things off, with Show N Tell immediately establishing their traditional Heavy Metal credentials. Crunching guitar riffs, driving rhythms and an infectious sense of urgency make this an energetic introduction. There is a real old-school spirit here, with plenty of attitude and the kind of guitar-driven aggression that sets the tone for the album.

‘Haunted By The Night’, the darker atmosphere comes through nicely here, with a strong sense of drama running alongside the heavier instrumentation. The guitars provide plenty of bite, while the underlying melodies give the song an accessible edge. A solid slice of traditional metal with an appealing balance of heaviness and melody.

‘Secret Of Steel’, there is something wonderfully classic about the approach here. The riffs have plenty of muscle, the rhythm section keeps everything moving and the overall arrangement captures that unmistakable Heavy Metal spirit. A track that should appeal to anyone who enjoys their metal loud, proud and packed with guitar-driven energy.

‘Still The Fire Burns’, a welcome injection of determination and passion. The title alone suggests a song about keeping the faith, and the music delivers plenty of conviction. Strong melodies combine with a heavier foundation, creating a particularly enjoyable traditional metal offering.

‘Eyes Of Evil’, the album's title track naturally carries a certain significance, and this is an opportunity for Show N Tell to showcase the darker, heavier side of their sound. There is plenty of atmosphere, muscular guitar work and that classic metal theatricality that makes the genre so appealing.

‘Without You’, a change of emotional direction brings some welcome contrast. The melodic elements come further into focus, demonstrating that traditional Heavy Metal doesn't always need to rely on aggression. There is a more heartfelt quality to the overall feel, adding another dimension to the album.

‘Mistress Of The Night’, back to the heavier territory, with a song that embraces the darker imagery and theatrical character associated with classic metal. The guitars provide plenty of punch, while the overall delivery has the attitude and energy expected from the genre.

‘Chasing The Rain’, an appealing melodic touch gives this track its identity. There is a sense of movement and atmosphere here, with the heavier instrumentation providing a solid backdrop for the more accessible elements. A welcome change of pace.

‘Fallen Angel’, dark, dramatic and unmistakably Heavy Metal, this is another enjoyable demonstration of the band's commitment to the traditional sound. The guitar work provides plenty of character, while the song's atmosphere gives it an engaging presence.

‘Journey To The Stars’, a fitting album closer, bringing the record to its conclusion with a sense of adventure and classic metal escapism. It rounds things off nicely, leaving the listener with a final reminder of the enduring appeal of traditional Heavy Metal.

Show N Tell's Eyes Of Evil is a thoroughly enjoyable celebration of traditional Heavy Metal, delivering a healthy dose of crunching guitars, driving rhythms, melodic touches and old-school attitude. There is something reassuringly familiar about the band's approach, embracing the classic ingredients that have kept Heavy Metal alive and kicking for generations. Across its ten tracks, the album offers plenty of guitar-driven energy, darker atmospheres and enough melodic variety to keep things interesting. It might not be reinventing the Heavy Metal wheel, but that's hardly the point. This is music for those who appreciate their metal played with conviction, passion and plenty of volume. Turn it up, embrace the old-school spirit and let the Heavy Metal do the talking. Show N Tell deliver the goods!

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Haunted By The Night’

Review by Woody