Review: Jericho Wall – Jericho Wall
This Australian band was active in the late 80s through the early 90s, and this album was recorded in 1993, but sadly never released. It’s finally seeing release now in 2026, without any label support. Stylistically, this is traditional heavy metal/hard rock with influences from the 1970s and 80s.
From track one we hear bluesy licks reminiscent of ZZ Top or Rainbow, accompanied by high-pitched vocals reminiscent of early Motley Crue or even Axtian’s Darren Lazzari. Another point of comparison would be the Messengers of Love album from Seventh Seal. The vocals at times are a bit thin, but it’s not distracting. It’s helpful to remember that this album was released completely independently, though with help in remastering from Paul Day at Angel Studios, Archerfield, Queensland.
What really stands out here, and the reason I volunteered to review this album, is the musicianship of the 3-piece. That’s right, we have a power trio here. The guitar playing is both flashy and tasteful all at the same time. And what’s more, the arrangements are really something special. It’s really hard to stand out in the traditional heavy metal style, simply because there are literally hundreds of bands who have attempted it. Yet, the unusual arrangements and playing style really set Jericho Wall apart.
It’s hard to describe what I mean without hearing this disc. They just have a slight edge when it comes to writing riffs and chord progressions. They tend to zig when you expect them to zag. Take the bridge in the middle of “He Bailed Me Out.” Without going alternative, there is a funky break right in the middle of the song where the bass guitar and drums are in rhythm unison while the lead guitar solos over the top.
Immediately following this track is the bright intro and riff for “Binding Love.” I must say, the vocals work better on this track too, as they are less strained and in a more natural vocal range. The song is melodic, and reminds me ever-so-slightly of some of Mastedon’s lighter songs or David Zaffiro’s melodic solo work. These aren’t perfect comparisons, but it gets you in the right direction.
“Prisoner of This World” starts with a down-n-dirty riff, and the raspy vocals actually work well on this track. Think lo-fi Guns and Roses and you’re getting close. “Under God” might be the standout track on the album with its catchy yet unconventional riff. The riff opens the track and becomes the basis for the chorus as well, with the faith affirmation, “I will live my life under God!” The track demonstrates my point above about the band having a knack for catching the listener off-guard with just that little bit of extra something that is different to set them apart from the pack.
“Until the Night is Done” has another effective riff that sucks you in and makes you want to listen more. Not straying too far from the 80s metal vibe, “Hold On” is a power ballad with some tasteful guitar playing and soloing, despite a somewhat cheesy lyrical and vocal take. “Vanity” is another hard rocker with some great riffing and vocal harmonies. Lyrically the band contrasts the vanity with which we often live our lives with the depth of the love of God. Once again, there’s a fantastic and slightly surprising chord progression on the bridge that adds incredible depth to the song.
All in all, Jericho Wall is a pleasant surprise. Just when you think you’ve heard most of the Christian metal bands from yesterday, something like this pops up and catches you off-guard. It’s not ground-breaking for those seeking underground heavy metal treasures, there is definitely something here to take note of.
The CD can be ordered from https://soundmass.com/
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