Released in 1983, this is step 1 in the evolution of one of the greatest singers in heavy metal.

First, I have to say, the recording quality is a bit dodgy. Mostly coming across like a thrashy version of prime Judas Priest with Warrel Dane sounding completely over the top, this album is purely for the Nevermore and Warrel Dane fanatic.

The album starts with a long rather pointless intro with some ambient noise and a deep voice that seems to be reciting something. However, the quality of the recording is such that I couldn’t really figure out what he was saying. After this, the album picks up and delivers a lot of Judas Priest riffs all over Dane’s vocal histrionics. There’s an early cover version of White Rabbit that Dale would revisit with Sanctuary and its here that you can really hear how much this singer has evolved over the years. The cover is a pale limp version of what was to come with Sanctuary. There’s also some typical 80s balladry with Tears of Love complete with some very derivative lead guitar playing and some more of Dane’s over the top vocal contributions.

Overall, this album has dated horribly and the songs weren’t all that great to begin with. Warrel Dane’s vocals vary between being too high in the mix and being pushed to the back in favor of some third rate 80s metal riffs and leads.

Serpent’s Knight is one of those bands that everyone should have forgotten by now, if not for the presence of Warrel Dane. It’s a bit of a curiosity from the golden age of metal (at least for me) and like I mentioned earlier only for those Nevermore/ Warrel Dane fanboys who can’t get enough of it.

Label - Independent

Year of Release - 1983