1989 - NWOBHM (early), Heavy/Power (later) from United Kingdom
Detailed Description
When A Sultan's Ransom was released in 1989, Cloven Hoof were already well known in power metal circles. This album further cemented their reputation, even making 442 in Rock Hard Magazines 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums. It's easy to see why within minutes of the album opening. Tempo changes are met with consummate ease, the musicianship is impeccable and the vocals are the level even the mighty Bruce Dickinson would be proud of. Unfortunately, the band split not long after, thus never fully delivering on their potential. A reformation happened in 2001, but this album really shows what Cloven Hoof could have become if things had gone their way. For fans of: Iron Maiden, Gamma Ray, Saxon.
