Metal has gone through many different fads and fashions over the decades. No longer just limited to a world of hair, studs and leather, it has taken in a world of different riffs, sometimes exploring musical landscapes that are heavier and more complex than ever before.

There’s still time for tradition, of course, and Tempest Saint – a band from the Greater London area – understand this very clearly. Their current single ‘The Cursed’ opens with a riff that draws heavily upon a 1984 Judas Priest vintage, setting a great – and somewhat familiar – sound in place. Bringing in a heavier, speed driven rhythm, the whole of Tempest Saint latch onto a sharp edged yet melodic barrage of riffs that really captures their unwavering commitment to a classic 80s style.

Vocally, things take a tiny bit of adjustment: frontman Joe Curtis doesn’t summon quite the Halford-esque wail that the music appears to dictate, but after a few bars, his huge voice has an appeal of its own, and with a natural style he powers the number’s huge sounding chorus with ease.

Although everything here is more than solid, the track is ultimately taken from the realms of good to great in the hands of guitarist James O’Connor. Not only is he able to nail that very retro Judas Priest/Diamond Head riffing rather impressively, but he really lifts this performance with an absolutely terrific solo, introducing a few soaring notes to introduce a very melodic element to the retro metal workout, before the chorus rolls around one final time, somehow sounding even more jubilant than before.

With this single, Tempest Saint wave two fingers to fashion, and listeners willing to take a trip back to the heady days of 80s metal with them will definitely discover a massive sounding, pleasingly nostalgic treat. In the band’s own words, ‘The Cursed’ “…is about the feeling of belonging – being part of a genre that’s no longer mainstream and longing for a bygone era.” This is something they convey almost perfectly.

Tempest Saint haven’t gone the full leather boots and flaming headstocks, but you can check out their equally retro video below.