STAMPEDE / A SUDDEN IMPULSE (2011)

Well, firstly, I have to say that Stampede's debut album back then, "Hurricane Town (1983)" is still regarded as one of the classic releases in the NWOBHM. I can't understand why this band didn't become big as so many bands of this era? Stampede originally was formed in 1981. A solid hard rock act which exploded onto the NWOBHM scene with a whirlwind of catchy melodic riffs and frantic energy. So, after almost thirty years, the band is back with three members of the original line-up plus the addition of Steve Graystone on drums and Chris Clowsley & Rob Wolverson on guitars to show to us that they still have a lot to offer!

"A Sudden Impulse" is titled Stampede's comeback album and from the first notes I realize that it's about a well-crafted hard rock effort full of great arrangements, a tight songwritting and Reuben Archer's amazing performances! The sound of "A Sudden Impulse" is a great mix of pure 80's hard rock mixed with some bluesier elements, classic rock but, also, some southern rock 'touches' as well. I wouldn't call this album a NWOBHM release and neither their classic "Hurricane Town". For me, this band had a unique hard rock sound that didn't fit with the bands of that scene. Bands such as UFO and the great THIN LIZZY had more in common with Stampede than the bullet belts, denim and leather of the NWOBHM scene! But I guess that's only my humble opinion. Highlights here? That's for sure a very difficult question to answer. All the tracks here are well-crafted with passionate performances and a tight musicianship. But, if I had to pick some of them as my favourite, these would be the really catchy tune of "Homeward Bound" which has a memorable chorus line and a huge melodic line, "Flaming Gold" , the opener "Send Me Down An Angel" and the 'old' school "This Road".

All in all, this is a huge welcome back from Stampede. "A Sudden Impulse" is a very good classic hard rock album that will please every single fan of that gerne. Great and passionate performances, solid guitar sound with some blasting guitar riffs and solos, a tight production and an album that will be one of the best comebacks over the past years. Well done and hopefully we won't have to wait so long for another album!
HeavyParadise's Rating : 8/10

TRACK LIST : 1) Send Me Down An Angel, 2) Jessie, 3) Having Fun, 4) Make A Change, 5) Hard Rock Hell, 6) This Road, 7) Homeward Bound, 8) Shame On You, 9) Natural Disaster, 10) Humble Pie, 11) Flaming Gold
Bonus Tracks: 12) Recharged, 13) Flaming Gold (Acoustic)