A long time ago when heavy metal was in its infancy, it seemed like a world where you could let down your inhibitions and get lost in the power and magic for a night. It’s not like that element was completely stamped out, but as the genre has changed and grown, cynicism has festered, and any band that’s trying to put smiles on people’s faces gets ridiculed. Like, who did Ghost ever hurt?

Not to be deterred, Salt Lake City-based force Blood Star feel like a band that originated 40 years ago and has the sense of rebellion over the reaction from the general population pointing their accusing fingers and their desire to unite the music’s followers. Yet, it’s 2023, and what they do on their exuberant, goddamn great debut record “First Sighting” is create something that is worth fighting for, music that lights your heart and soul on fire in the name of metal. The band—vocalist Madeline Smith, guitarist Jamison Palmer (also of like-minded Visigoth), bassist Noah Hardnutt, drummer Al Lester—unloads all of their blood and sweat into these eight tracks, taking you on a ride to the heart of metal over 33 minutes that capture you and deliver endless excitement.

“All for Nothing” is a fiery kickoff that drives with vintage power that gets into your bloodstream. Smith is a killer out front with a great voice and delivery, calling “Was it really worth it in the end?” over the rousing chorus. The guitars breathe fire, the path is jolting and clobbering, and everything ends in a blaze. “Fearless Priestess” delivers mashing riffs and a simple, but effective chorus that sinks in its teeth. Again, the singing is off the charts, and the solo just ignites, sending energy through your veins, putting on a glorious sheen. “No One Wins” is speedy as the singing spits bolts, completely commanding and quaking the earth. The guitar work slathers as things trudge and bruise, turning everything over onto its neck. “The Observers” is a real highlight, Smith’s singing going for a huskier, deeper register, the darkness spreading. “My thoughts are not my own, I know I’m not alone,” she calls as the playing flexes its muscle, belting with passion before the vocals echo out.

“Dawn Phenomenon” is a quick instrumental built on acoustics guitars, synth glaze, and a cosmic chill that washes over you and pushes into “Cold Moon” that opens in a total gallop. Smith once again is a force with which to be reckoned as the guitar work leaves streaks of fire across the sky, the chorus gets your heart rushing, and everything burns off into the light. “Going Home” starts with clean guitars before the energy gets a heavy boost, and another simple chorus proves less can be a lot more as it is sure to be something yelled back live. The guitars explode and then liquify, and a darker edge bleeds through, the chorus hits back again, and everything disappears into the stars. Closer “Wait to Die” blasts off, fast and certain, rampaging through center as the drums pummel. The soloing takes off, Smith’s work is a total blast, and everything ends in flames and excitement.

Yes, there are a ton of bands trying to unearth glory from decades past, but bands such as Blood Star prove that if you have the knack for it, you can hit it out of the park. “First Sighting” is a tremendous, enthusiastic debut record that not only puts them on the metal map but paves the way for them to do some really special things in the future. This is a killer record, one that’s a blast to experience and will remind you that metal can be fun again.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/bloodstarslc

To buy the album, go here: https://www.shadowkingdomrecords.com/pre-orders.asp

For more on the label, go here: https://www.shadowkingdomrecords.com/