They say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. And it’s not unrealistic to transfer that same theory to albums as well, not judging them by their sleeves. Thing is, Lost in Space has one of the best sleeve illustrations I’ve seen in ages – in particular the back with its Somewhere in Time-esque track listing.
So do the contents match up to the quality of the cover? Oh, hell yes. This is an album as good as the aforementioned Maiden effort, and done in a similar style. It’s simple, classic NWOBHM-style riffs, chords and battering drums. Perhaps a little pacier than Maiden on the whole, but no less well-polished and enjoyable.
The opening title track is just blinding. Building the excitement for the first few seconds it unleashes space-based hell around thirty seconds in at the pace of stampeding stellar horses. Guitars crunch and wail, bass and drums keep steady rhythm and Julian Jenkins’ rasping vocals soar and emote all over the place.
It’s only the first of many great songs, though. Actually, I can’t name one on the album that’s anything less than superb. It’s like stepping through a space-time portal thingy and going back to the 1980s when almost every album you bought was great.
Jenkins gets to flex his chords a bit more on “Star Trippin'”, joined by some equally impressive backing vocals. A pounding, Judas Priest “Ram It Down” feel kicks off “When The Hammer Falls” only for it to twist into something that would perhaps more suit WASP. “Sons of War” has a similar plodding start, but remains similarly heavy throughout. The lyrics are particularly heartfelt, too. If I had to pick a favourite on the album, then the words in this song would probably help it win the title. Musically, I’d probably go for one of the first two tracks.
Fury aren’t averse to mixing things up a bit and two tracks in particular let them spread their space-wings (and I going a bit too far with this whole “space” thing? Meh) – the more proggy/eclectic trippy mix that is “Nebula” and the near-ballad “Valhalla”. Both are worthy of places on the album, just be aware they don’t quite fit with most of the other tracks at first. They’re a little too different… until they become familiar after a few listens and they just blend into this incredible piece of work.
It’s damn good value for money as well, running to well over an hour. Most of the tracks are six minutes-ish with a couple noticeably longer, and closer “A Tale of Silver” tipping the scales over the thirteen minute mark. Yet despite the song lengths, the album doesn’t drag. It’s nothing original, but that’s what I love about it. It harks back to a period in musical history than I grew up in and have incredibly fond memories of.
Anyone over 35 who can ever claim to have loved “proper” metal back in the day should buy this album. I’m not being snobby – everyone else should buy it to. Then discover all those older masterworks that it’s used for inspiration.
You can catch Fury at Bloodstock – they’re playing the SOPHIE stage on the Friday.
What we do without the Internet? Without YouTube? Many of us will be lost! Two years after the first release I discovered this outstanding band. Can`t remember any reviews here in Germany or anything else spreading the word to the tell the world about this awesome band.
They are good, aren’t they? I can also recommend seeing them live :)