Dragonsclaw - Judgement Day

This is Australian power metal with the same passion and delivery of fellow countrymen Pegasus and a sound akin to some of the great Iced Earth tunes of recent times.  Vocalist Giles Lavery was until recently the live vocalist of Warlord (US), a combination I witnessed earlier this year in Germany (‘Lucifer’s Hammer’ is covered on this album), but that is not all the trivia I have for you either. David Reece (ex-Accept, Bangalore Choir) appears on the opening tune ‘Watching Every Move’.

‘Fly: Defenders of the Sky Part II’ is as epic as anything Iced Earth has done recently, there is the same level of quality arrangements, the atmospherics and the power and passion in the musical delivery. ‘Bullet’ is more in the pure metal vein but still retains a place on the album, more so I feel as it’s my stand out track! Throughout the album you will encounter some keyboard work; thankfully it’s controlled and not let to run loose. In this concept it definitely adds value to the songs, its adds “epic” emotion but the thunderous drums are the real backbone of the many musical delicacies on offer. It is a delight to hear well-crafted songs, this genre is sometimes scoffed and criticised and from my own recollections finally gaining a grasp of popularity in the US. Europe may have the majority of acts in this field, but every Australian act I have heard can really fucking play it well. The wealth of skill and knowing what a fan wants is also a massive jewel feature.

The single ‘Battle Cry’ is a tribute to Riot’s Mark Reale, a sadly missed individual and I like the acknowledgement. The massive level of quality and majesty of this album is rather enticing and thus it is very much recommended for power metal fans.