Band:	Sentry
Album:	Sentry
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	March 2024
Guest review by:	Blackcrowe

01. Dark Matter
02. The Haunting
03. Heavensent
04. Valkyries (Raise The Hammers)
05. Awakening
06. Black Candles
07. Raven's Night
08. Funeral
09. Incarnation Of Evil [Candlemass cover] [bonus]

The Hard Road to Manilla.

Manilla Road is arguably one of the greatest bands in metal history, an all-time cult band that embraced that role and used their position to cement their legendary success. The band emerged onto the proto-heavy metal underground scene in 1977 led by their eternal leader, frontman, and guitar player Mark ‘The Shark’ Shelton. In 2018, Manilla Road fans were left in shock when Mark Shelton passed away at just 60 years old after performing with Manilla Road at Headbangers Open Air in Germany. Following his death, the band disbanded. It took five years for ex-Manilla Road members Bryan Patrick (vocals), Phil Ross (bass), and Andreas "Neudi" Neuderth (drums) to gather their thoughts and come together to form a new band.

Sentry released their full-length self-titled album in 2024. On guitar is Kalli Coldsmith (ex-Abandoned and Masters Of Disguise); with this new guitar player and composer, rather than continuing their past work, Sentry emphasizes that they are a unique band with original songs and their own style, aiming to be recognized as their own entity. Sentry believes their music can offer something new and exciting for metal fans, including those who appreciate Manilla Road.

Sentry is an epic and dark record, with a slow dynamic that transitions to speed. "Dark Matter" opens the record, a great traditional power metal song. "The Haunting", in contrast, features a monotonous doom atmosphere. "Heavensent" is an epic power metal song with a great bass intro. "Valkyries (Raise The Hammer)" has a great acoustic guitar intro that transitions into heavy doomy thrash. "Awakening" is an epic blackened thrash song. "Black Candles" is a doom-obscured heavy metal track with a speed twist in the finale; the drums are amazing in this track. "Raven Nights" is a great epic doom song. "Funeral" is an amazing track with a dark bass that leads to an obscure atmosphere. As a bonus, the band include a cover of "The Dark Awakening" by Candlemass, a great cover played with excellence.

Sentry really kicks ass; it's a perfect debut for any band, a great, dark, heavy power metal album. The guitar work is exceptional, the bass is impressive, the drums are remarkable, and the vocals are delightfully different from the usual style. Kalli Coldsmith does a great job with the production and the outstanding mix. The artwork was made by the artist Paolo Girardi, who worked regularly with Manilla Road.

After one listen, the result did not initially meet my expectations, However, I was definitely wrong, and after 2 or 3 spins, I thoroughly enjoyed the album. That's because I mistakenly waited for Manilla Road Part Two or a tribute band, but it didn't happen and that's great. Now I am eager for a new release or a live performance. These guys are starting to write their own history.

This record deserves to be voted as one of the best of 2024; I haven't listened to another heavy metal album this good, at least so far.