Based in Lismore, Co. Waterford, South Ireland, Melodic Metal act Sirocco was formed in early 2003 as an instrumental quartet, of which today only rhythm guitarist Jim Tobin remains. Over the course of several releases (2003's 4-track Exodus, 2005's 2-track Claycastle Sessions – which were limited to 50 and 100 copies respectively, and 2005's full-length Nemed; An Tríu Creathán – note : the album's title track “Nemed” was featured in the short film 15 by Brian Connolly) the band went through several line-up changes (two guitarists and a drummer being replaced) and finally found some membership stability, when bassist Ciaran O'Cearuill joined Tobin, lead guitarist John Owens (the latter was apparently replaced by Padge Maderson for a while, but is currently back in the outfit – if, at least, I didn't get the info at my disposition cross-wired!), and drummer Robert Kiernan in 2007.
Around that time the band also tried out some vocalists (former Seven Scars' Paul Flynn and one Feargal Maher) but that didn't work out as wanted, and then the newly recruited bassist took on vocal duties, his first recorded vocal performance featured on the band's sophomore full-length, 2007's The March Through Crimson Frost, which was released through Code7 Music (this album's track “Blood & Soil” was featured on the Underground Movement compilation album Hail Of Gunfire, Volume 1). Over the years, and the time between the release of that second album and the following one, hereby reviewed, Sirocco played over 100 shows, including support slots for the likes of WASP, Megadeth, Exodus, SuidAkrA, Waylander, and Wolchant and playing at festivals throughout Ireland and on the European continent. They have also done small tours in over 14 countries, including Norway, Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and even Holland and Belgium. The band's third album Lambay has been a long time coming (originally announced for a 2010 release, it was then to be issued in mid 2011), and is a concept album on the Viking invasion of Ireland (concentrating strongly on retelling the stories of some of the lesser known characters from that era), and was recorded at BPM Studios in Glanmire near Cork (where the band has done àll of its recordings, except for the Claymore Sessions demo, which was recorded at Claymore Studios in Youghal, Co. Cork) with longtime collaborator Finny Corcoran during August and September 2011. For 2012, the band announced first live appearances in Belarus, Lithuania, Spain and Malta.
Well, the boys certainly deserve getting their music distributed as wide and far as possible. Citing the likes of Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica, Rotting Christ and SuidAkrA as influences, the band brings forth a medium-paced Metal which is (their own description, but so very apt and to-the-point) “...a blend of Thrashy rhythms, beautiful lead guitar melodies, intricate drumming and pounding bass lines, interleaved with plenty of dual lead guitar harmonies and old school Heavy Metal solos...”! On top, Ciaran has a nice voice which he uses without too much aggressive undertones (can't exacly call him a “clean” singer either), and is frequently backed in quite harmonic way. To get acquainted with Siroccos music, surf to the “Media” section of the band's own (www.) siroccoband.com. Among the 6 songs posted there, “Fallow; Unearth”, “The Towers” , and “An Thíu Creat´àn” are off Lambay. More material can be found among the live recorded videos, and (s audio this time) at the band's pages at facebook and MySpace. Oh, before I forget : cover and inlay art were (as on the previous full-length) provided by Belgium's own Kris Verwimp!