The unmistakable ’80s sounds and approaches of two specific British metal bands, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, have left their sonic stamp on countless up-and-comers come the early 21st century. And on the 2009 release by Children, Hard Times Hanging at the End of the World, this New York City-based outfit have certainly studied their copies of Screaming for Vengeance and Piece of Mind — at least from a sonic standpoint (or more specifically, the aforementioned group’s two-guitar attack). But when it comes to the vocals, the group eschews the falsetto gymnastics of Priest and Maiden in favor of some good old-fashioned thrash metal-esque shouting. Think back to a time when mullets, three-quarter sleeve tour shirts, and Mustangs ruled, and you won’t be far off from the approach Children take on such as “Advanced Mind Control” and “Nuclear Bummer.” – Greg Prato
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