• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Huntress' second album, Starbound Beast, is nothing if not a big step up from their debut, Spell Eater. The songwriting is vastly improved as is the playing. The riffs are melodic and mean, at the same time, and just a pleasure to hear. The solos are the same kind of wild, rollercoaster rides made famous by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Even Jill Janus, who I was unimpressed with on the debut, flashes a bit more range and ability on songs like "Starbound Beast" and "Spectra Spectral." She still relies heavily on her gruff, mid-range, Joan Jett shouts, and it gets tedious at times, but it isn't exclusive, thankfully. While Starbound Beast is better than the band's first effort, it isn't a masterpiece. The first few songs are pretty much all the same with the exception of the awful "I Want to Fuck You to Death." What a rotten title, though I'm sure it will generate some web hits from 14 year old boys. The riffs are boring and the over-the-top sexual subject matter had me skipping this song. The second half of the album is better with the raucous "Spectra Spectral" and moody "Alpha Tauri."

I was ready to dislike Starbound Beast as much as I did Spell Eater but I have to hand it to Huntress. They picked up their game and delivered a solid, superior sophomore effort. If you steered clear of Huntress before, now is the time to give them a second look.