I reviewed the last Harbinger demo a while ago, and while I thought it was decent, there were production issues (normal for a demo) and the songwriting wasn’t at a consistently high level. It was decent, and it didn’t take itself very seriously, so I enjoyed it just the same.

However, with their new demo, Harbinger have assuaged most of my concerns about the production, and have written stronger songs. They’re getting better, and I’m certain they’ll continue this pattern of improvement.

Now, the production on this one is a sight better. The guitars are turned way up, which is the way it should be. The vocals are a bit lower in the mix, which fits em just fine, and the major quibble I have is with the drum production, which lacks any semblance of punch and is plain weird in some spots (such as in the cover of Layin’ Down the Law, which is well-executed otherwise.)

Once again, Harbinger throws out a mix of catchy NWOBHM with the slightest tinges of thrash influence creeping ‘round the edges and backed up by extremely competent drumming and overlaid with an abundance of cool finger-tapping solos that are executed with just enough style to differentiate them.

The opening intro is simple and forgettable, but it’s not there for any reason other than to prepare you. The first song, Die For Metal (Live For Death) starts out weakly, and in a way that has really been done to death. Luckily, a couple minutes into the song (after about 2:00), it kicks into higher gear, and redeems itself. Not bad, but needs work.

The rewrite of Morningstar is definitely the high point of the CD, with head-banging riffs and great drumwork aplenty, but the good drumming is mostly wasted because of the dang production. The opening flurry is particularly good, but like I said, wasted. Please fix this in your next recording.

The cover of Layin’ Down the Law is good, competent and workmanlike but with a slightly reworked feel. Sure, the song’s been covered to death, but why not make another version? Another original composition would’ve been better, of course, but this is okay.

In summary, Harbinger’s second effort is an overall improvement, and I expect them to get better with the next.