Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 05:41 PM by Lilliana Tseka
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: Denmark
Label: Metal Blade Records
Year: 2015
The guitar duo Michael Denner and Henk Sherman from the legendary Mercyful Fate is probably one of the 2 or 3 best duos in the history of Heavy Metal (for me it definitely is), but this does not make this presentation / critique less strict and therefore less objective. And while everything seems perfect down to the last detail, something seems to be missing. The album’s cover art brings to mind Mercyful Fate, as it was designed by the legendary Thomas Holm, father of “Melissa” and “Don’t Break The Oath”. It comes with a very loud and a crystal clear production. The band definitely chose their label after a lot of consideration; after all it’s Metal Blade. The lineup is remarkable with Snowy Shaw (King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Dream Evil) behind the drums and Sean Peck behind the microphone. Shermann’s riffs are sharp as blades and Denner’s leads are modern and essential. But something is missing damn it.
The EP opens with the title track, which with the characteristic sound of the guitar duo creates mythical connotations, but when Peck’s scream gets in the game, the track ends up being essentially a typical US Heavy Power track (within the limits of second triage). Fortunately, despite the first shock, the listener cannot keep being disappointed, as the amazing “War Witch” follows up next, which is one of the best songs of the year with well-written vocal lines and really exceptional guitars. The other two songs “New Gods” and “Seven Skulls” are pretty good with some really unique ideas but I repeat that something is missing. I don’t know if it’s King’s ghost lingering and haunting this release, however, I admit I fell into the trap and imagined the songs being interpreted by the King and the whole result sounded much better, without suggesting that Peck isn’t worth of his position. He seems to strive for the best, but I guess that’s not enough. While waiting for more by the band’s full length studio album, Satan’s Tomb is a good foretaste…
3,5/6
