Ravensire - The Cycle Never Ends (2016)

Portugal's Ravensire bring to mind herculean marches of manly metal might like those from Manowar as illustrated by Frank Frazetta and written by Robert E. Howard. While I don't recall if such a thing ever happened in the world of heavy metal, I definitely feel such a statement applies here. Rick Thor's thunderous bass riffs doubled with F's drumming bring about that mighty feeling of doom, yet there's also a great deal of classic heavy metal here; which is basically the kind of act that it boils down to. I'm also a bit reminded of Hansi Kursch in early Blind Guardian when it comes to the vocal approach here, which makes Thor's performance feel ancient, even legendary. The band also employ two guitarists, Nuno Mordred and more recently Mario Figueira who just joined the act as of this album. It's Figueria's first record and from what I can tell, it's a fine performance that seems to emulate everything that this genre of metal stands for. It is the fire and the dragon, it is the titan and the column, the sword and the spell, the battles between gods, demons and mighty men. It is filled with pounding solos, just the way your mother used to make in the warmth and fire of eighties metal. I'm not sure if the current generation of metalheads will get into what they call “dad rock” but don't even let me get started on that again. I should have had kids years ago and would probably end up being a stepfather in any case, so maybe this stuff is for me after all. But scratch that – children should grow up with Howard and Lovecraft, I think. I'd have treasured them far more than the stories I was reading at such an age, not having known of either man prior.

In any case, this is the kind of record that comes with might. It's like picking up an album and gaining immense strength just from holding it. It's like Conan's sword, which is far too heavy for you to pick up. These gentlemen even have a three-piece epic about the majesty of architecture and ancient temples called “The White Pillars” which seems to further cement their awesomeness as it shows what they're really capable of instrumentally. In particular, the solo section in “Temple At The End Of The World” is absolutely fascinating as it demonstrates the kind of awesome solos that I remember hearing from this genre. Altogether, The Cycle Never Ends is filled with monstrous doom riffs, a powerful vocal performance and about fifteen hundred pounds of testosterone. This is man's metal, for men by men. I'm just glad to see that it's an approach not lost and I wish Ravensire the best with this one and future efforts. I definitely think that fans of Manowar, Manilla Road, classic Blind Guardian and even Iron Maiden will find something to like here and you're sure to hold your axe highly to this one. Speaking of axes, I'm also reminded of Golden Axe with this one, which again describes the atmosphere perfectly. Not only is it mighty, but it's finely crafted and has the spirit of the metal gods looking over it from high above the horizon.

(8 Tracks, 43:00)

7/10

Septagon - Deadhead Syndicate (2016)

This German speed/thrash act formed from members of A Crimson Trail, Lanfear and Atlantean Codex (particularly Atlantean Codex's awesome frontman Markus Becker) is definitely worth your ears, and I truly mean that. This is one of those albums that caught my attention the very first time through and I knew I was going to cover it immediately, without hesitation. The record itself isn't that long, but who cares? This is the kind of disc you're going to play over and over again, with speedy riffs, memorable solos and catchy choruses that remind me of classic Anthrax. If the six-minute opener “Revolt Against The Revolution” doesn't get your attention, then I'm quite sure that you'll be singing right along with “Exit... Gunfire” which had me singing along right from the beginning. Yet while we're at it, listen to that muscular guitar composition, especially the instrumental section right in the middle of the song. That's how you make memorable thrash, there's no doubt about it. The chorus is really good, but they don't hang on it. Instead, the five-piece show why there's two guitarists in the band as both Stef-Binnig-Gollub and Markus Ulrich prove their worth beyond what I can even explain in words. Listen to “Ripper” and it's amazing Egyptian inspired melodies, that sound like something right out of Iced Earth's “Birth Of The Wicked.” Keeping in mind that Iced Earth also covered this same topic on “Jack” I'm kind of torn between which version I like better. Both are well-written and have choruses I'll be singing in my head for a few days, I'm sure.

“Septagon Conspiracy” (shouldn't it be “The Septagon Conspiracy?”) adds in some robotic vocal elements, as well as a rather rocking solo, making for an interesting thrash experiment. The title track is another one that popped right out to me. If not for the strong chorus, the progressive riff infusions most definitely. It's not a song where the chorus is heavily embraced, but as I've said – Septagon have enough musical might behind them that they don't have to rely on such a commonly used pop maneuver. If a song here is longer than what the radio might accept, then you can bet that these guys have the right kind of instrumental backing to keep your ears entertained the whole way through. The disc ends out with the oblong “Secret Silver Panorama Machine” which is a bit vocally oblong, but has a wonderful chorus number that certainly seems to show the world that there's more in store from this little act. If this conspiracy-laden thrash treat doesn't get your attention, then I think there are few things this year that will. Now obviously, despite the fact that the disc is quite pleasing, it's still a bit of a rough effort – as in, they'll get better with time. I think Septagon are only showing a fraction of what they can really pull off and the band's next output should be even further realized. Even so, I'd still recommend picking it up and it's definitely the kind of disc that has several cuts you'll want to play over and over again. This is how great and intriguing thrash metal is made. Without question, I'm already ready for the next offering.

(9 Tracks, 39:00)

8/10