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Here's the debut full-length from traditional metallers Cauldron, Chained to the Nite. After the demise of the heralded Goat Horn, many of the members strapped up in leather, put on their studs and jean vests, and formed this band, furiously belting out metal hymns as if it were still 1985. Now with only one member of Goat Horn remaining, Cauldron is striving to become their own unique act. Sounding much like the greatly underrated Cities, Cauldron is spearheaded by the wailing whine of singer Jason Decay. Backed up by the equally ridiculous names Ian Chains and Chris Rites, one must question whether or not Cauldron's replications of 80s metal anthems is slightly ironic, lacking the sincerity of their supposed heroes. That said, Cauldron are competent. Decay's voice carries the album, guitars soar, and the drums never let up.

Despite Cauldron's innate ability to replicate the 80s, there's a distinct feeling of limpness and tepidness throughout the album. Cauldron are a young band, and the feeling of youth runs through this entire release, while youthful energy does not. It sounds like the band got together and decided to make a collection of traditional metal songs, and that's exactly what they did. It doesn't feel original or heartfelt. It feels forced. That isn't to say that these songs are bad -- far from it. "Chained Up in Chains" hearkens back to "Metal Heart"-era Accept, while the sounds of Judas Priest, Angel Witch, Manowar, and even King Diamond are to be found scattered throughout the rest of the album. Cauldron make these songs very catchy, but aren't able to do it as Cauldron. They only do it dressed as their heroes.

Cauldron have a craft, but that craft is based in replication. They need to find the sound of Cauldron, and not the band they choose to sound like for each song.