March is a special month for me,* so I'm popping the tab on it with Germany's NWOBHM-inspired bruisers Booze Control and taking a long pull from their fourth LP (and most recent, as of 2019), Forgotten Lands. Booze Control isn't the subtlest of bands. Their sound is essentially all of the sprinting parts of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, with some flush nods to the battle cry fury of Manowar steeped in the brew. If you like the big acts to come out of Britain's metal scene in the late '70s but could do without the arty, acid-flavored tangents those bands would sometimes embark on, then you'll certainly appreciate how close to the marrow Booze Control tends to strike. It's hit-the-ground-running, bar-juke-box-booming, muscle-head metal to crush some cans (or skulls) to. Highlights include the Judas-esque chopper ride "Attack of the Axemen," the deliberate and saw-tooth-riffed "Of the Deep," the spin-riffed march "Slaying the Mantis," and the sweeping heat of "Playing with Fire." Put some lightning in your blood tonight!