Huddersfield born Ol Drake is best known as the former lead guitarist in UK Thrash titans Evile. A band that single handedly brought UK thrash back into the spotlight and opened it up to a new wave of fans. A lot of this was put down to downright ridiculous playing of that flare wearing, headband sporting, bearded talent Drake. When he left Evile many were in shock but do not worry people as Ol Drake has now returned with an album that shows off his talent to the max, his debut solo alum Old Rake (see what he did there?).
The album opens with the stupidly outrageous yet fantastically titled ‘Han Valen’ straight away you know what to expect over the course of this album and that is shredding. Stay with us though because the shredding is phenomenal. Coming across like the mall scene in Bill & Ted Excellent Adventure but for a whole album, trust us that is no diss. that is freaking rad!
Don’t go into this record worrying that it is going to be stuck up it’s own arse or anyway pretentious. Drake has a wicked sense of humour which is on display on some the track names, eg – ‘Onions’, ‘Spaceship Janitor’, ‘I’ll Be Bach (Get It?)’. Somehow though Drake is able to get his personality across through his playing. Yes this is an instrumental album (of the very highest standard) but it oozes charisma.
To see how respected Ol has become as a musician you only need to look at the track ‘Guitarists Playing Guitars’ which features guest slots from Gary Holt (Exodus/Slayer) and Josh Middleton (Sylosis). You have got to believe that if the 16 year old Ol drake could see this was in his future he would of lost his shit.
All in all this is a superb album, it delivers on many levels. It has thrash, it has cock rock, it has classical, it has acoustic, it has it all and it all rolls into a stunning debut. We urge you to give it a listen, don’t worry this isn’t just guitar wanking (there is a bit but not all), this is a record with possibily some of the best charisma of the year so far and a look into that fucked up mind of Ol Drake.
