Oh fuck YES, this is so good, where is the sword emoji when you need it?

Solid epic heavy metal release, plain and simple catchy songwriting, with plenty of enjoyable, headbangable, and traditionally melodic riffs, and memorable moments. Vocals aren't great imo, however their decent.

Written by nikarg on 24.02.2023 at 18:47

Oh fuck YES, this is so good, where is the sword emoji when you need it?

Your staff pick made me give this a listen. Damn, I love this too!

Just like your Lucifer's Fall review kick-started my doom metal exploration, and your Getting Into: Rotting Christ article initiated my dive into Greek black metal, I have a feeling that this album might lead me to check out some more epic heavy / power metal type of stuff.

I guess I'll start with the bands you mentioned in the staff pick: Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Manowar. Are there any other bands I might enjoy?

Written by F3ynman on 12.03.2023 at 16:03

Your staff pick made me give this a listen. Damn, I love this too!

Just like your Lucifer's Fall review kick-started my doom metal exploration, and your Getting Into: Rotting Christ article initiated my dive into Greek black metal, I have a feeling that this album might lead me to check out some more epic heavy / power metal type of stuff.

I guess I'll start with the bands you mentioned in the staff pick: Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Manowar. Are there any other bands I might enjoy?

Thank you, that's really nice to hear, and I am glad you liked the album. Recommendations off the top of my head...
--> Old and classic: (other than the three mentioned): Warlord, Brocas Helm, Omen, early Queensrÿche, Virgin Steele, Savatage, and Fates Warning.
--> Newer bands keeping the flame alive: Eternal Champion, Atlantean Kodex, Visigoth, and Smoulder (whose new album I will be reviewing next month).
--> Best bridge between old and new: The Lord Weird Slough Feg.
--> Obscurest yet awesome band award: Tales Of Medusa.

Mind you, Manilla Road have quite a diverse catalogue; they even played thrash at some point (Out Of The Abyss). Avoid anything from Manowar after Kings Of Metal like the plague. Their song "Battle Hymn" is the beginning of it all, though, and the very definition of epic metal, in my opinion. Into Glory Ride is my favourite epic metal album of all time.

You will also find nice things through SSUS's power metal articles.

I will try and listen to this soon.

Written by nikarg on 12.03.2023 at 16:52

Recommendations off the top of my head...

Much appreciated!

I can't believe how good this is.
Phenomenal job, guys!

Yeah this rocks. Nice simple, but effective song writing. Production is a little wonky, but after a song or two you get over it.

The difference in enjoyment I had between the first and second song is striking - the first one was just plain irritating, while the second is one of the better trad heavy songs I've heard in recent years

Written by musclassia on 21.03.2023 at 09:52

The difference in enjoyment I had between the first and second song is striking - the first one was just plain irritating, while the second is one of the better trad heavy songs I've heard in recent years

The time has come to admit to yourself that you secretly like Manowar.

Written by nikarg on 21.03.2023 at 11:23

Written by musclassia on 21.03.2023 at 09:52

The difference in enjoyment I had between the first and second song is striking - the first one was just plain irritating, while the second is one of the better trad heavy songs I've heard in recent years

The time has come to admit to yourself that you secretly like Manowar.

No.
I don't think there was a band I gave up faster on than Manowar. Ok, maybe Nirvana.

I'm listening to the album right now, I hear more Manilla Road in their music than Manowar.

Written by JoHn Doe on 21.03.2023 at 11:35

No.
I don't think there was a band I gave up faster on than Manowar. Ok, maybe Nirvana.

I'm listening to the album right now, I hear more Manilla Road in their music than Manowar.

I was actually replying to the first/second song comment that musclassia made, and linked the YT video of Manowar's "The Power Of Thy Sword", which has the exact same opening as "Iron Plains" (the second song that he said he likes).

Written by nikarg on 21.03.2023 at 12:39

Written by JoHn Doe on 21.03.2023 at 11:35

No.
I don't think there was a band I gave up faster on than Manowar. Ok, maybe Nirvana.

I'm listening to the album right now, I hear more Manilla Road in their music than Manowar.

I was actually replying to the first/second song comment that musclassia made, and linked the YT video of Manowar's "The Power Of Thy Sword", which has the exact same opening as "Iron Plains" (the second song that he said he likes).

my bad, sorry for intruding.

Having listened to the album, Iron Plains and Babe Eternal stand out for me.

Written by JoHn Doe on 21.03.2023 at 12:43

my bad, sorry for intruding.

No worries, I actually agree with you that, overall, there is a lot more of Manilla Road on the album than Manowar.

Written by JoHn Doe on 21.03.2023 at 12:59

Having listened to the album, Iron Plains and Babe Eternal stand out for me.

Same for me, along with "Power", which is my most listened to track this year, so far.

Written by JoHn Doe on 21.03.2023 at 11:35

I don't think there was a band I gave up faster on than Manowar.

I'm a little ashamed to admit it publicly, but I think Manowar had a pretty impressive career in their first 10 years of existence.
Just out of curiosity, when did you abandon them?

Please rest assured that this is not a catch question or something. I despise everything after Kings Of Metal with passion and I'm totally aware that the winning formula of their late 80s era was based on a very simple recipe, to say the least. I'm just genuinely curious and value your opinion, that's all.

I like the vibe this album has. Iron Plains was the highlight for me. Last song was a bit weird but it's not bad either.

The sound is weird but this is truely an intense performance. The music properly complements the emphatical vocals, switching from fast to slow, and the whole album feels like a complete story unfolding. A great release