Origin:	Helsinki, Finland
Genres:	Traditional Metal

Page online:	November 1, 2022
Last update/review:	November 1, 2022

Chevalier

This is a bit of an oddity, as Finnish NWOBHM-inspired speed metal isn't really a thing, but Chevalier is nevertheless trying to make it a thing with their enticing 2019 effort Destiny Calls, their only full-length surrounded by EPs. The album mixes prime early-80's speed, very early NWOBHM riffing (notably, the Steve Harris-approved rollicking bass lines), a fair bit of grandiose epic metal, and that faint medieval sound that bands like Brocas Helm and Manilla Road made a living from. Top it off with a female vocalist that sounds like no one else (hold that thought, someone else nailed it -- she sounds like a very young, really early Geddy Lee) and there's a winning formula here. The production sounds a bit tinny in places, but that adds to the charm, this is not a ultra-polished modern metal outfit, but a slightly off-the-rails cult speed metal force that one can't help but smile at and appreciate.