Haunt Deliver a NWOBHM Ripper on “Defender”

The year 2000 version of Vince Neilstein would be STOKED on the existence of bands like Haunt who let their NWOBHM flags fly high. That’s the year I discovered Iron Maiden, and thus began my long, gradual descent into the dark realm. A decade later Holy Grail would burst upon the scene with their own brand of NOWBHM revivalism, and their debut, Crisis in Utopia, excited me then (as it does still) with its over the top guitarmonies and fist-in-the-sky vocals. Here we are nearly another full decade later with Haunt, and the passion burns on.

One listen to Haunt’s latest single “Defender” is enough to know that the band’s forthcoming album If Icarus Could Fly is gonna be an absolute firecracker. Galloping riffs, anthemic choruses, upper register vocals and, of course, plenty of guitarmonies — it’s all here. Most importantly, the songs are great; it’d all mean nothing otherwise.

Band leader Trevor William Church tells Decibel:

“‘Defender’ is about the times we are on the edge of self destruction. There hopefully is a friend to help pick you up. In this scenario, there is. Enjoy! Fight the good fight.”

Give “Defender” a stream below. If Icarus Could Fly comes out on May 17th; pre-order here.