REVIEW: ROTTING CHRIST, The Heretics (2019)

 

ROTTING CHRIST, The Heretics (2019)

Season of Mist

Αιρετικός δίσκος.

Η ναυαρχίδα στο στολίσκο της ελληνικής σκηνής, ειδικότερα της Extreme Metal πλευράς, στο τελευταίο κατά κυκλοφορία άλμπουμ μέχρι στιγμής (έρχεται το επόμενο φέτος,  σε μερικές βδομάδες!) βρίσκει το συγκρότημα να συνεχίζει στο πιο mainstream metal μονοπάτι που έχει χαράξει τη τελευταία δεκαετία. Όχι το συγκεκριμένο άλμπουμ δεν διεκδικεί δάφνες της πάλαι ποτέ Mediterranean Black Metal ομάδας στην οποία ξεκίνησε η ιστορία τους το '89. Μιλάμε για μοντέρνο Metal με σκοτεινό υπόβαθρο αλλά σίγουρα πολύ πιο εύπεπτο και κλασικότροπο κιθαριστικά  περιεχόμενο περισσότερο ακόμη κι απ' τη δεύτερη εποχή τους μετά το 2001! Το μόνο που θυμίζει το μαύρο παρελθόν του σχήματος του Σάκη Τόλη (κιθάρα κι φωνή) είναι το αρχικό λογότυπο της μπάντας που έκανε διακοπή στη χρήση του μόνο τρία χρόνια (τα πιο "Gorh" άλμπουμ τους A Dead Poem 1997 , Sleep of the Angels 1999 και Khronos 2000 δεν το φέρουν στο εξώφυλλο) και που θυμίζει το ακραίο παρελθόν τους απομένει. Μας χαλάει αυτό; Αν ναι κρίμα. Αν όχι εδώ έχουμε έναν δίσκο που που ακόμη μία φορά μας δείχνει τί μπορεί να κάνει αυτό το γκρουπ βετεράνων της χώρας μας. In the Name of God , Ветры злые (άνεμοι του κακού στα ρωσικά!), Heaven and Hell and Fire, Hallowed Be  Thy Name (όχι δεν είναι διασκευή στους Maiden), Dies Irae, Πιστεύω (για όσους λένε ότι δεν έχουμε στοιχεία απ' τη γλώσσα μας στιχουργικά), Fire God And Fear, The Voice of the Universe, The New Messiah The Raven είναι οι τίτλοι των κομματιών.

English Text:

Heretical disc.

The flagship of the Greek scene's fleet, particularly the Extreme Metal side, in its latest album release so far (the next one is coming next year, in a few weeks!) finds the band continuing on the more mainstream metal path they have carved over the last decade. No, this specific album does not claim the laurels of the once Mediterranean Black Metal group in which their history began in '89. We are talking about modern Metal with a dark background but certainly much more digestible and classically-influenced guitar content, even more so than their second era after 2001! The only thing that reminds us of the black past of Sakis Tolis' (guitar and vocals) band is the original logo of the band, which was only discontinued for three years (their more "Goth" albums A Dead Poem 1997, Sleep of the Angels 1999, and Khronos 2000 do not feature it on the cover) and which recalls their extreme past. Does this bother us? If yes, that's a shame. If not, here we have a record that once again shows us what this group of veterans from our country can do. "In the Name of God," "Ветры злые" (Winds of Evil in Russian!), "Heaven and Hell and Fire," "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (no, it's not a Maiden cover), "Dies Irae," "Πιστεύω" (for those who say we don't have elements of our language in the lyrics), "Fire God and Fear," "The Voice of the Universe," "The New Messiah," "The Raven" are the track titles.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

REVIEW: RISING FAITH – The Arrival

 

RISING FAITH – The Arrival

Limb Music

Homepage

What I love about the power metal sound is its ability to seamlessly integrate various musical elements from other rock and metal genres without ever losing its intrinsic sense of melody. This unique quality allows power metal to offer a rich variety of listening experiences and evoke a wide range of emotions. Personally, it is the genre I hold dearest, alongside classic heavy metal.

One band that particularly exemplifies these qualities is the Swedish group RISING FAITH. Formed in 1998, they had a brief but impactful career, releasing a demo titled "Demo 99," an EP called "Imagination" in 2000, and their debut album "The Arrival" in 2003.

It's this debut album, "The Arrival," that I want to highlight. From the moment I first heard it several years ago, it has consistently left me with the same uplifting impressions. Despite their Swedish origins, RISING FAITH is not the typical melodic power metal band we often associate with that country (not that there's anything wrong with that). From the opening notes of the album, it's clear that their music is a distinctive blend, featuring strong thrash and speed metal elements reminiscent of early METALLICA and ANNIHILATOR. The track "Rage," for example, includes passages that strongly evoke these Canadian thrash legends.

Moreover, RISING FAITH doesn't shy away from classic metal influences. The track "Imaginations" showcases this perfectly, with influences from ACCEPT that are unmistakably clear, and its melodic hooks are irresistibly catchy. This album beautifully enriches the European power metal sound with thrash and heavy metal in a harmonious, creative, and imaginative manner. If HELSTAR and SAVAGE GRACE were Europeans, they might sound something like this. Additionally, the album reminds me of early works by MANTICORA.

Overall, "The Arrival" is a work characterized by its distinctive personality and inspiration. Crafted with passion, dedication, and a deep love for the genre it represents, it’s a true gem. It's genuinely a shame that RISING FAITH didn't continue their journey, as their music had so much to offer.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS Unveils Second Single “Monsters

 

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, fresh off a successful North American tour, are gearing up to release their second single, "Monsters," from their upcoming album, Pirates II – Armada, slated for July 5, 2024, via Napalm Records. Building on the momentum of their previous chart-topping release, Pirates (2022), the band promises a heavier symphonic journey with their new album. "Monsters" captures the struggle against inner demons, blending calm passages with powerful refrains showcasing vocalists Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli. With this teaser, the band asserts their readiness to dominate the symphonic metal scene and prepares for an extensive European tour, starting with an album release show on July 6, 2024. Michele Guaitoli reflects on the theme of facing inner monsters, signaling the band's fearless approach to their music and their upcoming tour.

PVRS release new single

 

Belgian band PVRS, known for their unique blend of Atmospheric Sludge and Post-Metal, recently dropped their latest single titled "That's Allright." The track was recorded at "THE PALE FLAME" and underwent mixing/mastering by Benjamin Matlet. PVRS, founded in 2023 by Jean-Pierre Mottin and Twan Landrin, distinguishes themselves with a fusion of soaring melodies and heavy riffs, pushing the limits of traditional doom metal. Influenced by groups such as Deftones, Sleep Token, and Type O Negative, PVRS offers an immersive musical journey for their audience.

REVIEW: ROYAL HUNT, Moving Target (1995)

 

ROYAL HUNT, Moving Target (1995)

Kick Music

Σας θυμίζει κάτι;

Εμένα πάντως το τρίτο πλήρες αλμπουμ των Δανών Progressive Power Metalers όταν τον βλέπω μου θυμίζει τους προπάτορες του prog γενικά, τους Rush. Κάτι το εξώφυλλο, κάτι αυτό το Moving....που φέρνει βέβαια στο μυαλό το άλμπουμ Moving Pictures των προαναφερθέντων Καναδών, εν τέλει οι επιρροές σταματούν εκεί. Οι ομάδα με τον κύριο D.C. Cooper στο μικρόφωνο εδώ είναι σε μία κατηγορία δική τους. Ίσως το καλύτερο άλμπουμ τους (κονταροχτυπιέται ανοιχτά με το Paradox δύο χρόνια μετά ο δίσκος αυτός, για τον τίτλο) για τη δεκαετία του '90. Τα πιο τρανταχτά παραδείγματα εδώ, Last Goodbye, 1348, Makin' A Mess, Far Away, Autograph, Give ot Up, Time είναι στη τροχιά του νεοκλασικού ήχου του οποίου είναι φορείς συνθετικά, αλλά και προοδευτικά metal κομμάτια ταυτόχρονα. Μελωδία και συναισθήματα στη μουσική τους που μένουν αξέχαστα.

English Text:

Does this remind you of something?

To me, the third full album of the Danish Progressive Power Metalers brings to mind the progenitors of prog in general, Rush. Something about the cover, something about that "Moving..." which certainly brings to mind the album "Moving Pictures" of the aforementioned Canadians, but ultimately the influences stop there. The team with Mr. D.C. Cooper on vocals here belongs to a category of their own. Perhaps their best album (it's a close call with "Paradox" two years later, for the title) for the '90s decade. The most striking examples here, "Last Goodbye," "1348," "Makin' A Mess," "Far Away," "Autograph," "Give it Up," "Time," orbit the trajectory of the neoclassical sound of which they are compositional bearers, but also progressive metal pieces simultaneously. Melody and emotions in their music that remain unforgettable.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

JEHOVAH ON DEATH - single "Goya's Witches" from the new eponymous EP

 

The "Jehovah On Death" is an Occult Rock band from Athens, formed in 2020, featuring a congregation of sinners centered around the enigmatic figure of "La Señora Dolorosa". Drawing inspiration from Spanish Catholicism, music, poetry, and medieval beliefs, they aim to evoke a new 'Satanic Panic' through their music and image. Their latest EP, "Goya's Witches", includes the titular single, continuing their exploration of themes of love and death.

CHALICE OF MALICE release debut album

 

CHALICE OF MALICE, an American Melodic Heavy/Power Metal band, has unveiled their debut album titled "The Pillars of Hercules." Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Scott Young at "Nothingland Studios" in Cleveland, OH, the release marks a significant milestone for the band. Originating in Cleveland in 2003, Chalice Of Malice was initially conceived as a side project by Scott Young (Vocals/Guitars) and Tony Howard (Vocals/Bass), aiming to delve into the realm of Power Metal songwriting. Their journey began with the creation and recording of the demo "The Desert Under the Earth." Over the years, the lineup has evolved to include Taylor Netzler (Vocals/Guitars) and Chris Hoffman (Drums), shaping the band's distinctive sound and musical identity.

REVIEW: PRETTY MAIDS, Future World (1987)

 

PRETTY MAIDS, Future World (1987)

Epic

Ο αγώνας τώρα δικαιώνεται.

Και δικαιώνεται πανηγυρικά στον δεύτερο αυτόν δίσκο των πέντε μουσικών απ' τη μεταλομάνα Δανία, μετά το ντεμπούτο τους το κλασικό Red Hot and Heavy τρία χρόνια πριν. Ευρωπαϊκό Hard and Heavy που κλείνει στοv εκκολαπτόμενο τότε Power Metal ήχο, (και κάποιοι άλλοι πιτσιρίκοι απ' τη Γερμανία ονόματι Helloween στον δικό τους δεύτερο δίσκο την ίδια χρονιά, έχουν hit με ίδιο τίτλο με τούτους εδώ!) με περίσσια πλήκτρα και βεβαίως το ομώνυμο κομμάτι Future World (αυτό  προφανώς εννοώ πριν για τους Helloween) να ανοίγει το σετ των τραγουδιών , ένα κομμάτι που έχει παιχτεί εκατοντάδες χιλιάδες φορές (τρίτη παρένθεση, όπως και το  ομώνυμο του των Helloween Ε;) στα κλαμπ και τα μέταλ καφέ και μπαρ απανταχού της δικής μας επικρατείας και γενικά του πλανήτη. Ακολουθούν τα Loud N' Proud , Yellow Rain, Rodeo, We Came To Rock, Eye of the Storm, Long Way To Go σε ένα ξέφρενο 80s metal σύνολο.

English Text:

The struggle has finally been vindicated.

And what a celebration it is on the sophomore album by these five metal enthusiasts from Denmark, following their classic debut 'Red Hot and Heavy' three years prior. This European Hard and Heavy sound borders on the burgeoning Power Metal style of the era (and let's not forget those other youngsters from Germany called Helloween, who also released their second album the same year, featuring a hit with the same title as this one here!) With an abundance of keyboards and, of course, the eponymous track 'Future World' (which, obviously, I meant before for Helloween) kicking off the song set. It's a track that's been played hundreds of thousands of times (third parenthesis, just like the eponymous track of Helloween, right?) in clubs, metal cafes, and bars throughout our dominion and indeed across the planet. Following that are 'Loud N' Proud', 'Yellow Rain', 'Rodeo', 'We Came To Rock', 'Eye of the Storm', 'Long Way To Go' in an electrifying 80s metal medley.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Unveil Fourth Single "Blood Empress

 

Canadian power metal band UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated sixth studio album, "Phantoma," scheduled to drop on May 10, 2024, through Napalm Records. With a series of well-received singles such as "Green & Glass," “Ghosts In The Mist,” and “Seeking Vengeance” setting the stage, the band introduces fans to the album's grand finale anthem, "Blood Empress." This track, born from collaborative creativity during the recording process, blends dark yet triumphant tones with catchy melodies, reflecting the culmination of Phantoma's journey within the album's narrative. As vocalist Brittney Slayes explains, "Blood Empress" serves as a dynamic addition to their repertoire, poised to captivate audiences with its radio-friendly rock vibe while encapsulating the essence of the album's overarching themes.

"Phantoma" offers listeners a multifaceted experience, inviting them to join protagonist Phantoma on a compelling exploration of a dystopian future plagued by the illusions of social media. Through their signature blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog, and pop influences, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS craft a narrative-rich tapestry that intertwines sharp musicality with thought-provoking social commentary. With "Blood Empress" as a fitting conclusion, the band leaves audiences eager to immerse themselves in the album's intricate storytelling and dynamic soundscapes, ensuring a journey that resonates long after the final notes fade away.

WHITE VIRGINS release new single

 

German Sludge Metal outfit WHITE VIRGINS has unveiled their latest single, "Deep See Thrill," heralding the imminent arrival of their debut album, "Jungle Justice." Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Soufian Djebbari at "Your Ex Chose Me Studios," the track promises a raw and intense sonic experience. Founded in 2019 in Karlsruhe, Germany, by Soufian Djebbari (vocals/guitars/bass) and Jan-Gerke (guitars/bass), WHITE VIRGINS wasted no time, dropping their debut EP, "No Safe Word," in 2020, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.

FEUERSCHWANZ Release Live Video for “Wardwarf” (feat. Francesco Cavalieri of WIND ROSE)

 

FEUERSCHWANZ, a prominent German band with a 20-year history, has released a live video for their song "Wardwarf" from their latest English-language album, Warriors. The video captures the vibrant energy of their performances, which was evident during their recent sold-out headline tour and will continue in the fall. "Wardwarf" features Francesco Cavalieri from the band WIND ROSE. With two #1 albums on the Official German Album Charts and successful tours, FEUERSCHWANZ has solidified their status as Germany's hottest band. The live video is available to watch, and Warriors is already experiencing high demand, with some formats sold out.

New aftermovie from HOME REARED MEAT (Release Party for the album "Truckstop Terror")

 

HOME REARED MEAT is a death metal/grind band from Emsland, Germany, formed in 2008. Their unique sound blends grindcore, old school death metal, and hardcore elements. In 2024, they released their fourth album, "Truckstop Terror," through Kernkraftritter Records. They're known for their energetic live performances and have shared the stage with renowned bands like Cannibal Corpse and Fleshgod Apocalypse. The band's music and lifestyle reflect the essence of their homeland.

EVERGREY Unveil New Single “Say” + Official Music Video

 

EVERGREY, the renowned band from Gothenburg, has released their much-anticipated second single, "Say," along with an official music video. The song blends raw heaviness with enchanting keyboards and unexpected instrumental parts, showcasing the band's signature melodic progressive metal style and the remarkable vocals of frontman Tom S. Englund. "Say" is a preview of their upcoming album, "Theories of Emptiness," slated for release on June 7, 2024, through Napalm Records. Critics worldwide have already praised the album, with publications like Powerplay Magazine and Sweden Rock Magazine lauding it as flawless and possibly Evergrey's best work to date. German Rock Hard magazine even ranked it #1 in their soundcheck. Evergrey describes "Say" as a song with an unforgettable chorus that promises to be a hit live, hinting at an intriguing ending in the music video that will leave fans with many questions. The release of "Say" further solidifies Evergrey's reputation as a powerhouse in the progressive metal scene, showcasing their boundless creativity and unwavering musical prowess.

REVIEW: HEAVY LOAD, Riders Of The Ancient Storm (2023)

 

HEAVY LOAD, Riders Of The Ancient Storm (2023)

No Remorse Records

Σα να μην πέρασε μέρα.

Οι Σουηδοί, ήταν κάποτε απ' τα πρωτότυπα συγκροτήματα για αυτό που θα εξελίσσονταν στο Epic Power Metal. Απ' το 1979 ως το 1986 έβγαλαν υλικό που άλλοι το έβλεπαν μόνο στον ύπνο τους, δίσκους σαν τα Stonger Than Evil και Death or Glory που τους ανέβασαν απ' το στάτους του cult στη πρώτη κατηγορία του ευρωπαϊκού metal οικοδομήματος. Μετά... Απλά χάθηκαν απ' το στερέωμα. Χωρίς ίχνη τους απλά μαθαίναμε απ' τον μουσικό τύπο ότι τα αδέρφια Styrbjörn και Range Wahlquist ασχολούνται με την παραγωγή και τα ιδιόκτητα στούντιο που διατηρούν. Από εκεί και πέρα περίπου 35 χρόνια μετά τον περασμένο Οκτώβριο διαβάζουμε ότι οι Heavy Load γράφουν τον νέο τους δίσκο οποίος και φάνηκε στα τέλη του ίδιου έτους και είναι αυτός εδώ. Σε κομμάτια σαν τα Ride the Night, Walhalla Warriors, Angel Dark, Slave no More, Raven is Calling  κρύβουν το ίδιο συναίσθημα που κατακλύζει τον ακροατή όπως και τότε. Μόνο το ημερολόγιο έχει δείξει τη διαφορά κι οι φωτογραφίες στο ένθετο του CD! Σε σημεία των τραγουδιών νομίζεις η δεκαετία του '70 συναντάει τα 80s στο γέρικο μουσικό κορμί των πολεμιστών ενός μυθικού ξεχασμένου νορδικού πεδίου μάχης! Όλη η ξεχασμένη μεγαλοπρέπεια του ήχου τους, είναι φιλτραρισμένη στα κομμάτια του άλμπουμ αυτού τόσες δεκαετίες μετά.

English Text:

It's as if not a single day has passed.

 

The Swedes were once trailblazers in what would later become Epic Power Metal. From 1979 to 1986, they churned out material that others could only dream of, albums like "Stronger Than Evil" and "Death or Glory" that catapulted them from cult status to the forefront of the European metal scene. Then... they vanished without a trace. Without any clues, all we knew from the music press was that the brothers Styrbjörn and Range Wahlquist were involved in production, running their own studio. Then, about 35 years after this past October, we hear that Heavy Load is crafting their new album, which emerged at the end of the same year, and here it is. Tracks like "Ride the Night," "Walhalla Warriors," "Angel Dark," "Slave no More," and "Raven is Calling" encapsulate the same emotion that enraptured listeners back then. Only the calendar has shown the difference, along with the photos in the CD insert! In certain parts of the songs, it feels like the '70s collides with the '80s in the weathered musical body of warriors on a mythical, forgotten Nordic battlefield! Their entire forgotten sonic grandeur is distilled through the tracks of this album, even after so many decades.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

ONWARDS TO ZENITH release new single

 

ONWARDS TO ZENITH, a German Melodic Death Metal band, recently unveiled their latest single, "Inner Strength," from their forthcoming debut EP. Recorded at "Reflexion Studios" by Niklas Knaack and mixed/mastered at "411 Studios" by Daniel Keller, the release promises a blend of precision and intensity. The band, originating from Saarbrücken, Germany, was founded in 2022 by seasoned musicians Francesco Grillo, Yannick Seinsoth, Tobias Anton, and Niklas Knaack, who had previously showcased their talents in various metal outfits. In 2023, they welcomed Christian Collet, a proficient guitar shredder, prompting Yannick's transition to bass and Niklas's focus solely on vocals, aimed at enhancing their dynamic live performances.

Echoes of Thrash Metal: The Saga of THE CRUCIFIER

 

The Athenian thrash metal band THE CRUCIFIER has a long-standing presence in the Greek scene. Founded in 1995, they initially existed under the name CRUCIFIER until 2008. Apparently, due to other bands sharing the same name, they rebranded themselves as THE CRUCIFIER, a name they have retained to this day.

Beyond their extensive tenure in the scene, their career is also regarded as highly active and productive. In 2002, they released their debut album titled "Merciless Conviction." This album was a natural progression from the band's previous releases, namely the demos: "Infernal Pain" (1995), "Totally Madness" (1996), "Fear Is Your Mind" (1998), and "Innocent World" (2001).

With this release, the band balances influences from both German and American thrash metal scenes. Their primary influences include early KREATOR, DESTRUCTION, and SLAYER, with shades reminiscent of our own FLAMES. The vocals of Hlias "Thanatoid" Kyriazis resonate as a more extreme version of Mille Petrozza's vocals.

It's a dynamic debut filled with enthusiasm, rawness, and vigor. Fans of the thrash metal genre will certainly appreciate the compositions here. It's worth noting that this album was reissued by Hell Productions in 2009 with the band's "Innocent World" demo as a bonus.

In 2006, the band released their second album titled "Cursed Cross." Between their debut and this release, they also produced the 2004 demo titled "Cursed Cross." Despite a four-year gap since the band's debut, this release feels like a natural progression. The band sounds more refined and mature without compromising their aggression. They continue to deliver old-school thrash metal, perhaps with a greater emphasis on the Bay Area thrash metal scene.

This release undoubtedly marks a step up from their already impressive debut. It's an album filled with great riffs and pacy rhythms that will surely captivate fans of the genre.

In 2017, THE CRUCIFIER released their latest full-length album, as of now, through the Italian label Punishment 18 Records. Thirteen years since their previous release may seem like a long time, but during this period, the band remained active, participating in various split releases.

On their third release, the band maintains the recognizable metal style from their previous two albums. We're talking about '80s-inspired thrash metal drawing inspiration from both the German and American scenes, with a greater emphasis on the latter.

It's direct thrash metal full of aggression and power, with convincing performances. Once again, the band proves that they have solidified and shaped their own musical style, creating compositions that they, as fans of the genre, love to listen to. If there's any difference compared to their previous releases, it's that here the band incorporates influences from bands like early METALLICA, EXODUS, and DARK ANGEL.

It's a highly commendable release for the genre, and fans of this sound should definitely give it a listen.

Closing, I'll mention that in 2024, the band released a split album titled "Outbreak of Unholy Death" together with HellButcher and Flegias.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης

SINS OF SHADOWS release new single

 

SINS OF SHADOWS, a French Heavy/Power Metal band, recently dropped their latest single titled "Finally Free." Recorded at "Aedonia Production" and mixed/mastered by Sebastien Normand, the track features guest vocals by the renowned Henning Basse (known for his work with Metalium and Firewind). Originating from Reims, France in 2014, Sins of Shadows has steadily built their discography, starting with EPs like "Be" (2014) and "Today’s the Day" (2016), leading up to their debut album "The Master’s Way" in 2020. Two years later, they followed up with "Imperium" in 2022. Drawing inspiration from iconic heavy metal acts such as Iron Maiden, Evergrey, Megadeth, and Testament, as well as progressive bands like Symphony X and Ayreon, Sins of Shadows creates a unique blend of heavy and progressive metal.

BREAK THE CYCLE Releases Their New Single "Buried Beneath".

 

Break The Cycle is a metalcore band originating from Corfu, Greece, now based in Thessaloniki. Established in 2019 by two guitarists, the band quickly expanded to include a vocalist and drummer, forming a four-piece lineup. Their sound is heavily influenced by bands like In Flames, Architects, and As I Lay Dying. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they released their debut single "Through Pain and Sorrow", along with a metalcore cover of Linkin Park's "Papercut" and their latest single "Buried Beneath".

REVIEW: ATTACKER, The God Particle (2024)

 

ATTACKER, The God Particle (2024)

Cruz del Sur Music

Φρέσκο αίμα.

Ο άρτι κυκλοφορημένος δίσκος των cult U.S. Metalers αυτών που τίμια και σταθερά παίζουν στη μικρή κατηγορία του Speed/Power Metal πρωταθλήματος. Καμιά πρωτοτυπία, καμία έκπληξη και καμιά αμφιβολία. Οι Attacker στο παρόν τους εξακολουθούν να είναι απ'τα δυνατά χαρτιά για όσους προτιμούν το νευρικό, με υψίφωνο τραγουδιστή γρήγορο μέταλο απ' την αντίπερα όχθη να παλατζάρει πάνω στη λεπτή γραμμή μεταξύ Power και Thrash, χωρίς να ανοίκει πουθενά αλλού παρά στο Speed Metal παρακλάδι. Με μόνο οχτώ κομμάτια, όπως συνηθιζόταν τη δεκαετία που ξεκίνησαν όλα, αυτή του '80 και με τίτλους σαν Knights of Terror, Curse of Creation, Stigmatized, River of Souls, Kingdom of Iron, World in Flames, The Mighty Have Fallen και τέλος το ομώνυμο το άλμπουμ (άλλη μία πρακτική απ' τα 80's) βρίσκεσαι μονομιάς εκεί που πρέπει: Ένα ταξίδι στο χρόνο διαμέσου της μουσικής αυτού του κλασικού γκρουπ. Σπεύσατε....Πάω για τη τέταρτη ακρόαση κι έπονται κι άλλες.

English Text:

Fresh Blood.

The newly released album from these cult U.S. metallers who faithfully and consistently play in the small category of Speed/Power Metal championship. No originality, no surprises, and no doubts. Attacker, in their present form, continue to be among the strong cards for those who prefer the nervous, high-pitched vocalist speeding metal from the opposite shore to skate on the fine line between Power and Thrash, without belonging anywhere else but to the Speed Metal subgenre. With only eight tracks, as was customary in the decade when everything started, this one in the '80s, and with titles like Knights of Terror, Curse of Creation, Stigmatized, River of Souls, Kingdom of Iron, World in Flames, The Mighty Have Fallen, and finally the eponymous album (another practice from the 80s), you find yourself exactly where you should be: A journey through time through the music of this classic group. Hurry up... I'm going for the fourth listen, and more are to follow.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης