Musings: Buzzard – Gambler

I always get really excited when I discover a long-lost gem from a band I’ve never heard of. Last week, one of my favourite indie metal labels, Dying Victims Productions, released Belgian ‘80s metal band Buzzard’s Gambler via their Relics from the Crypt sub-label. Gambler initially came out in October 1984 on the heels of the band’s A Strange Gang demo in 1983. Sadly, it would be the quartet’s one and only album. We have Dying Victims Productions to thank for this reissue, a little over 38 years later, to reintroduce this band to a whole new audience, including yours truly. Akin to last year’s RidingEasy Records reissue of ‘70s rock band Sorcery’s Stunt Rock Soundtrack, this is another special album that I’ll have on heavy rotation for the remainder of the year.

We get the double threat of “Stone-Hard and Loud” and “We Are Heavy Rockers” to kick things off with a bang. Two barn-burning tracks that set the tone for the rest of the record with terrific guitar solos. “You and Me” even has some prog vibes, “Save Me” is a rippin’ good tune, and we’re even treated to a cool ballad with “Can’t You See.” “A Strange Gang”, a polished cut taken from their demo, is a fun arena rock song with a scorching guitar solo. One of my favourite tracks, “Nosferatu”, is an ode to the Prince of Darkness. The title track follows; it’s good, but not among my faves on the LP. Songs number 9 and 10, “Midnight Countess” and “Woman of Illusion”, bring the curtain down with panache, ending the party on a high note with a one-two punch as they are two of the very best tracks Gambler has to offer.

Gambler is an album full of highlights that keeps getting better on repeat spins. Brimming with youthful energy, it’s sure to satisfy fans of old school metal, fast hard rock, with a smidgeon of speed metal. It definitely takes inspiration from the NWOBHM movement and has echoes of ‘80s metal from Germany. It’s really a shame tragedy struck and we didn’t get more than one album from Buzzard. I’m sure they’d have broken through had they been given a few years to gather a proper following. That’s the beauty of reissues—we can enjoy this album now for the first time or if you’re already familiar with this band and LP, you can rediscover it all over again. Give it a spin, it’s a ton of fun.

Dying Victims Productions’ Buzzard Bandcamp page: https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/gambler