The Wheelblocks (feat. Chris Jericho)

The Wheelblocks feat. Chris Jericho Release “Aces High” Heavy as a ton of bricks and instantly recognizable to any diehard metal fan as the work of Iron Maiden, the riffing in “Aces High” as its presented to us in the debut single and music video from The Wheelblocks + Chris Jericho punches you in the gut and doesn’t relent from its brutality for the entirety of its running time. One-part epic tribute, another part key demonstration of sheer sonic strength, this track and its companion video were tailor-made for rockers around the world this September, and in a season depressingly lacking in melodic muscle, it couldn’t be arriving at a better time. 

 None of the elements in this mix are competing for our attention - despite the traditional structure of the song, relative to most NWOBHM bands that is, there’s an equilibrium between the drums, strings and lead vocal that speaks to modern metal more than it does anything of the old school. The riffs are as much a star as any of the lyricism is, with the percussion working not only to frame the discordance but actually contribute to the musical warfare in ways that it typically wouldn’t be able. It’s a cover song, but nevertheless “Aces High” feels honest and even a little endearing when 

The Wheelblocks play it. The music video for the track is fun and definitely as far away from being overthought as it gets. Though it isn’t filled with a ton of props or overindulgent imagery, this could be part of the reason why I find it as refreshing as I do. We’re living amidst a revival of 80’s-inspired surrealism, but in the case of The Wheelblocks, trying to marry multiple aesthetics isn’t nearly as important as dishing out a ripping jam as exciting to the ears now as it was when it was first released. Whether a lifer or merely a casual listener, metal enthusiasts of all tastes really shouldn’t miss out on what The Wheelblocks are doing in “Aces High” this month. 

Younger fans who haven’t yet been properly exposed to the music of Iron Maiden will likely find this as stimulating a treasure as those who grew up with Powerslave, and most credible metal critics will verify this is no small statement to make. This is only their first single and video together, but with any luck, it won’t be the last time heavyweights from Machine Head, Alice Cooper, Three 6 Mafia and Fozzy get together creatively. 

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Trace Whittaker

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

9/2020