It was only a year ago Haunt had their debut out , quickly capturing the next phase of their passion, we have ‘If Icarus Could Fly’ which will be released on all formats.

Once again, turn of the 80’s metal is mixed with real emotive vocals displaying passion and inviting the unwilling under their spell and magic of the bands hook laden metal music. I feel the band have tried to capture a touch more musicianship on this second album, a chance to grow. This is personified for ‘It’s In My Hands’. This has some great guitar work and goes hand in hand with the smooth sophisticated vocals. That riffing increases for the two major players of this album, namely ‘Cosmic Kiss’ and ‘Ghosts’. The latter ends rather abruptly, maybe this is my digital files, but hey, it all works out well. Turn it up louder and the full mix can be realised in its full potential.  ‘Clarion’ adds a touch more heavy to the metal, a splash of guitar galloping resulting in a juggernaut of passion. If I was to sum up the album briefly, it would be one filled with a smooth sense of its bloody good mate, I almost image just sitting back in the sunshine, having an alcoholic beverage and a cigar, it’s very classy.

Whatever your poison, throughout this album, I can’t find anything of indifference to comment about, it’s simply a very easy album to listen too. Nothing too unexpected once you know Haunt’s material, but this displays a touch of development in the riffing department. I have felt at time during playback that there are many similarities between tracks, but you know what, that really shouldn’t upset the listener. On another note, they have even managed to squeeze in an EP prior to this album also (‘Mosaic Vision’). ‘If Icarus Could Fly’ is a result of prolific song writing that is oozing with quality and depth. Once again, Haunt delivers.

You can catch them live in the UK at next year’s Brofest in Newcastle.

(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/hauntthenation

https://hauntthenation.bandcamp.com/album/if-icarus-could-fly