Atkins May Project – original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and guitar virtuoso Paul May. Although this British duo have worked together for decades, this incarnation was formed in 2010 and has released 4 albums, with “The Final Cut” being the most recent.
The Atkins May Project delivers traditional heavy metal, very melodic and with solid groove and topped off by scorching guitar work. May is without doubt an accomplished metal guitarist, with his thundering big riffs and explosive solos, yet he also displays an abundance of imagination and feel in his compositions. They hit hard but carry dynamics and variety to keep you engaged. And Atkins’ unique, commanding vocals – aggressive and leathery – are their own rumbling instrument. His voice meshes with May’s guitar work so well that it almost seems like the songs were written to compliment his vocals. The lyrics, penned by May and reflecting his Christian faith, talk of life’s struggles with a message of hope.
It is no wonder that two such accomplished veterans can pull off the classic British metal sound with such authority. May shreds like the guitar masters of yesteryear and Atkins’ vocals are as gutsy as ever. From the relentless opener “The Final Cut” onward, this duo captures the raw energy that you would expect from such metal pedigree. And the production is perfect for this release, with its modernised old-school vibe.
Originally released in 2020, Soundmass is pleased to re-issue “The Final Cut” in 2026, along with its predecessor “Empire Of Destruction”. It features the incredible cover artwork of world-renowned fantasy illustrator Rodney Matthews, as well as a previously unreleased (hidden) bonus track titled “Out Of Control” from the same recording session.
Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Saint, Saxon, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, etc. – full-blooded, traditional heavy metal!
USA customers: a limited quantity of this CD is available at this USA distro
TRACK LISTING:
The Final Cut
When The Bell Tolls
The War In-Between
Treading Water
Buried Alive
Fighting Man
Dead Mens Bones
Stranger In A Strange Land
The Cold Wind Blows
Masquerade
The Final Cut (Full Version)
Bonus Track
Out Of Control
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7JW6CdDxu8
*2020 REVIEWS*
-“The Final Cut features many of my favorite Atkins May Project songs, and when further factoring the ever-present abilities of Atkins and May – not to mention top-notch packaging to include eye catching Rodney Matthews cover art – it adds up at minimum to a top five release of the year.” (90%, Angelic Warlord)
-“In summary, The Final Cut is another slab of old school metal and hard rock from Al Atkins and Paul May, so if you’ve enjoyed their previous releases, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.” (4/5, Sea Of Tranquility)
-“Some of these songs sound great on a first listen, but every one of them is a grower.” (7/10, Apocalypse Later Music)
-“Classic heavy metal/hard rock fanatics can rejoice with the latest release by Atkins May Project. Entitled The Final Cut, this driving beast of an album delivers on several different levels. Providing melody, heft and chops nothing short of world class The Final Cut demands your attention.” (Heaven’s Metal Magazine)
