Review by JD on October 5, 2010.

Laughing like some madman or a drunkard on a bender, it is clear that I have already looked at the name of this group. After laughing myself nearly silly, I pick myself off the floor and return to the computer, needing to be coherent and sane to complete this review of Australian metal outfit... The Loving Tongue.

Right off, it is clear that they are old school, down and bruising metal. They are situated dead center into the 80's NWOBHM movement, and are not unafraid to be like that. They sound somewhat cliché and dated at first listen... but it is strange that it still sounded so good beside that fact. It makes you simply want to hear more.

The main singer is also a member of Raven Black Night and that tells you that this is a pure and honest romp into the old school ways. Songs like the potent ‘Marching On’ and the amazing and honour filled cover of Black Sabbath’s ‘Heaven And Hell’ shows that they are damn good musicians as well. Because they are somewhat sounding like so many of that era’s legends most people just might dismiss them as just a rehashing of the music. One honest listen, will change anyone’s mind. They still bring fire to the old ways.

So what if it sounds like it is some stereotyped throwback to the 80's?. You can’t argue that it is fun, exciting and just plain good music. The Loving Tongue will not change the world, but they do show that the old school metal is still relevant even in the new millennium. More bands need to hear this album, so they can hear where heavy metal is rooted. This is simple and heavy music delivered with fire.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality:6
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10