NEWS: Cloven Hoof

Supporters and die-hard fanatics of traditional, classic heavy metal in 2017 will want to take of Cloven Hoof--the long-running British heavy metal band with origins dating back to 1979--and the band's new album called Who Mourns for the Morning Star?, a work that follows 2014's Resist or Serve. Regarding the new album, below you will find more information about the work itself and some changes in membership that have resulted in the current incarnation of the band. You may also find it of interest that there have been some very positive reviews of the album, reflecting the fact that the group has established a reputation for heavy metal and for a devoted cult following amongst the enthusiasts for bands associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, traditional English heavy metal and cult heavy metal in general. Here is some official information about the band and the new album.

Cloven Hoof

Who Mourns for the Morning Star?

release date: April 21st, 2017

label: High Roller Records

Midlands outfit CLOVEN HOOF must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. The origins of the group go back to the year 1979, when they first formed under the name of Nightstalker. In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: CLOVEN HOOF. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney and main man Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of ‘Earth’, ‘Fire’, ‘Water’ and ‘Air’. A very interesting concept which was far ahead of its time. After recording demos of songs such as “Return Of The Passover” and “Nightstalker CLOVEN HOOF issued their debut vinyl 12” EP »The Opening Ritual« on Elemental Music in 1982 (today a precious collector’s item). In 1984, the self-titled Cloven Hoof album was released, followed by »Fighting Back« (1986), »Dominator« (1988) and »A Sultan’s Ransom« (1989). After splitting up in the 1990s, CLOVEN HOOF returned with a new line up in the 2000s.

»Resist Or Serve« from 2014 is now followed by the band’s brand new studio album »Who Mourns For The Morning Star?«. Lee Payne added some new blood to the CLOVEN HOOF line-up with American citizens George Call (on lead vocals) and Danny White (on drums), both formerly playing with Aska, being the new guys.

Musically, »Who Mourns For The Morning Star?« carries on where »Resist Or Serve« has left off. Lee Payne comments: “All my life I had a vision in my head what I wanted CLOVEN HOOF to sound like. Musically we had come close but I was never 100% happy with the vocalist. George has a world class voice and range and I want to utilise it fully with the scope of our music.”

Payne thinks that the new album is indeed the best the band ever recorded: “»Who Mourns For The Morning Star?« combines all the best qualities of the trademark CLOVEN HOOF sound but it is played better and the vocal delivery is off the scale. The full band width of the band is explored and there are epic tracks next to more hard hitting numbers that build and cover a whole spectrum of moods and atmospheres.”

1.Star Rider (4:38)

2.Song Of Orpheus (3:35)

3.I Talk To The Dead (4:39)

4.Neon Angels (3:38)

5.Morning Star (6:19)

6.Time To Burn (4:41)

7.Mindmaster (3:58)

8.Go Tell The Spartans (6:01)

9.Bannockburn (7:15)

The present band have been playing together since late 2015 when George and Lee decided the time was right to take Cloven Hoof to a new level. They had played together in Germany when Aska ageed to do a few Cloven Hoof songs after some ex band members decided to leave the band. The chemistry was electric and Danny was so amazing behind the kit that Lee had to ask him to join Hoof one day too. Commitments delayed the union for a time but everyone knew the day would dawn when they would make an album together. The new album was recorded in Dallas and in the UK and the mission statement was to make THE best Cloven Hoof album of all time… and that is exactly what the band have done. A no holds barred tour de force that will shake the metal world to its foundations – you have been warned! Chris Coss and new guitarist Luke Hatton was recommended to the band by the highly respected Simon Lees ex Budgie and ace guitar teacher. Cloven Hoof will begin to tour Europe and America throughout 2017 extensively and the best is yet to come!

the band is:

George Call - lead vocals

Lee Payne - bass guitar and backing vocals

Luke Hatton - lead guitar

Chris Coss - rhythm guitar

Danny White - drums and percussion

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