Sergeant Steel – Golden Absolution

Sergeant Steel
Golden Absolution
Label: Metalapolis Records
Out: 16^th October 2026
Playing time: 43:04

When the amplifiers start screaming and the first chorus cuts through the dark room like a blindingly bright spotlight, one thing becomes immediately clear, Sergeant Steel are not simply returning with a new album, they are making a statement.

The press release reads almost like a work of literary and dramatic art. But let’s be serious. The band was formed in 2007 in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. They are a well-established name on the Austrian Hard Rock scene. They are reviving the golden era of Hard Rock from the 70s and 80s. Following their debut album ‘Lovers & Maniacs’ (2010), four further albums and a ‘Best Of’ vinyl (2018) were released in the years that followed. ‘Golden Absolution’, due for release in mid-October, is therefore the Austrians’ sixth studio album.

‘1000 Lives’ already makes it quite clear that ‘Golden Absolution’ is dominated by guitar-driven, riff-heavy Metal. What’s more, the song impresses with a powerful, epic chorus. Following an intro featuring synth flourishes, ‘Back On The Track’ develops into a rousing, catchy mid-tempo banger. That was the first single and the starting point for the rest of the songwriting. ‘Teeny Meany’ has a Country feel to it. It doesn’t always have to be hard-hitting Heavy Metal. Stomping riffs do, however, ensure a certain level of heaviness. Sergeant Steel continues to experiment with their sound later on. On the Metal anthem ‘Hold Your Fire’, a children’s choir can be heard at the start. Then a sing-along chorus ensures a great atmosphere amongst fans at live gigs. The song gets heavier as it progresses, though the children’s choir can be heard again. The current album also features a ballad. ‘Lonely Street Of Broken Hearts’ enchants with a strong Jazz/Blues influence. A Hammond organ wafts in the background at times. On ‘Fool For Your Lovin’, the music abruptly shifts to hard, fast sounds. The drums set the tempo. And the chorus once again invites you to sing along. In keeping with the song title ‘Catch The Train’, a steam locomotive whistles at the start. A very rhythmic and straightforward song. With ‘Stay With Me’, the band then switches to classic Hard Rock. Powerful drums, a swirling Hammond organ and crashing riffs dominate. An intro featuring an acoustic guitar kicks off the melodic, mid-tempo banger “Wireless”. Then the drums kick in, steady and rhythmic, followed by heavy guitar riffs. The closing track, “Dying Love”, features a keyboard intro. But then it gets heavy, fast and rocking, building up like a musical crescendo.

With ‘Golden Absolution’, Sergeant Steel have delivered a varied and enjoyable album. For the most part, we hear well-played classic Hard Rock. But the Austrians aren’t afraid to venture into unfamiliar territory either. That’s what makes this album well worth a listen.

Sergeant Steel – Back On The Track: https://youtu.be/z9pyzeCP39k?si=KHlv8Zhcooz5VTGL

Lineup:

Phil Vanderkill – Vocals
Jack Power – Guitar
Chuck Boom – Guitar
Ben Bateman – Keyboard
MJ Star – Bass
Cøsy Cøxx – Drums

Track list:

• 1000 Lives
• Back On The Track
• Teeny Meany
• Hold Your Fire
• Lonely Street Of Broken Hearts
• Fool For Your Lovin’
• Catch The Train
• Stay With Me
• Wireless
• Dying Love