Album Review: Axe Dragger – Axe Dragger

AXE DRAGGER’s self-titled debut is a high-octane, riff-heavy celebration of classic heavy metal that refuses to fade with time.

AXE DRAGGER proudly carries the torch for classic heavy metal that never goes out of style. Emerging with their self-titled, high-energy debut album, they deliver a fun, unapologetically hard-rocking, riff-loaded tribute to the enduring power and glory of metal.

The lineup comprises musicians with impressive backgrounds, having played in bands such as PANTERA, DARK FUNERAL, PENTAGRAM, FU MANCHU, and SLOWER. Guitarist Bob Balch, drummer Pete Campbell, bassist Fredrik Isaksson, and vocalist Terry Glaze bring a wealth of metal experience, yet the band doesn’t rest on past glories. Instead, they focus on rocking out with a collection of songs steeped in classic heavy metal style.

Combining the massive riffs courtesy of Bob Balch with galloping grooves reminiscent of MAIDEN and DIO, and Terry Glaze’s distinctive and powerful metal vocals, AXE DRAGGER unabashedly celebrate the joyous side of metal. This is not a tongue-in-cheek approach; the band clearly believes in what they do, and it sounds like they are having the time of their lives doing it.

The album’s sound and spirit are closer to the Glaze era of PANTERA—with albums like Metal Magic, Projects In The Jungle, and I Am The Night—than to any of the other bands the members have played in. AXE DRAGGER salute their affection for that classic metal sound and energy from beginning to end on this self-titled debut.

A celebratory feeling permeates the album, with tracks like the anthemic Shock ‘Em Dead, the full-on PRIEST-style metal assault of El Toro, and the wild Fire In The Madhouse perfectly embodying the spirit of AXE DRAGGER. The fact that this album could have been released in 1982 rather than 2026 speaks volumes about where the band’s music is rooted.

Far from sounding like a mere '80s throwback, AXE DRAGGER imbue their music with an energy that results in an almost timeless feeling. Every member puts their heart and soul into the performances, making it a genuinely fun record. There are some more contemporary moments, such as Eat Me From The Inside, which evokes the mood of NINE INCH NAILS’ Closer—though that’s already thirty years old and hardly “contemporary.” Still, this track is crafted in full-on AXE DRAGGER classic metal style.

Other highlights include the mid-paced groove of The Damned Will Cry and the galloping frenzy of Death Is Calling My Name, which closes the album with a perfect, riff-packed finish. This debut release is a statement of intent from AXE DRAGGER: a full-on celebration of all the best aspects of heavy metal, delivered with passion and enthusiasm that cannot be faked.

Hopefully, AXE DRAGGER won’t be a one-off project due to the members’ other commitments. It would be great to see them reunite and unleash their full metal fury again. For now, bang your head, throw up the horns, and hail the mighty power of AXE DRAGGER.

Rating: 7/10

Axe Dragger is set for release on March 6th via Ripple Music.

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Conclusion

AXE DRAGGER aren’t trying to reinvent heavy metal. Instead, they remind listeners that the old engine still fires up on the first turn—just don’t expect modern bells and whistles.

This album is perfect for those who love riff-first, chorus-ready, proudly unembarrassed classic heavy metal. If you’re looking for irony, genre-bending, or emotional complexity disguised as songwriting, this record may feel like “dad metal” to you. But if you want a straightforward celebration of metal’s raw power, this album delivers.

FAQ

• Is Axe Dragger a modern metal album or a classic metal album?
  Classic metal at heart—big riffs, gallops, and anthemic intent—played with enough energy to avoid feeling like a dusty reenactment.
• Does the album sound like the members’ other famous bands?
  Not really blended. The vibe leans closest to early Terry Glaze-era Pantera in spirit rather than echoing all the members’ past projects.
• What songs feel like the album’s core identity?
  “Shock ’Em Dead,” “El Toro,” and “Fire In The Madhouse” perfectly capture the celebratory, straightforward heavy metal mission.
• Is there anything that breaks the old-school formula?
  “Eat Me From The Inside” flirts with a mood reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer,” but retains Axe Dragger’s metal language.
• Will people who dislike throwback sounds enjoy this?
  Probably not. The album’s point is that it could’ve existed decades ago, and it doesn’t apologize for that.

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