Overlorde SR - Still Standing
This is the North Carolina band formed in ’79, that also went under the name Overlorde, Overlorde SR and now simply Overlord SR. In 2011 they added the "SR" ("still rocking") and lost the "e" at the end of 2013. There is another band called Overlorde in a similar US heavy/power metal style, so not to be confused with that one. This band gave us some cool demos a long time ago, the ’85 ‘Medieval Metal’ is a classic and a re-recording of one track (‘Full Speed Ahead’) features at the end of this self-released new album. This track of course also featured in the legendary compilation series ‘Metal Massacre’, in particular ‘Metal Massacre 8’ from 1987, albeit a different version.
‘Shadow of Darkness’ gallops into life, musically this is right on the money and the powerful epic vocal delivery makes this a fine start to the release. Although I reserve judgement for the remainder of the album, but the production is a touch thin, the vocals are loud in the mix, the guitar lacking a certain amount of bass and the snare sometimes lost then sometimes overbearing. It’s a strange mix, but the music still kicks ass, that’s the main thing. Having said that, this wasn’t an instant winner, but as it grows I like it more, I just wish the mix was balanced better, and I’ve tried this on all manner of old and modern systems to get the feeling just right before making comment, a graphic equaliser definitely helps. ‘Executioner’ quickly redresses the balance marginally and it’s a touch more hard rockin’ and ‘Creeping Through the Night’ is a touch more raucous, slower and develops the vocal style a touch more, a little like some early material by Dio. ‘Power Metal’ figures higher in my appreciation, it has to really with such a track title! On this one the speed increases and becomes more familiar to the bands older sound and a touch more Saxon/Priest combined with a much better balance through the speakers (however ‘Under Fire’ really emphasises this similarity). ‘Standing on the Edge of Time’ is another stand out track for its pace, style and delivery, I sometimes feel this sounds like Sabbath’s ‘Born Again’ effort, there’s a vocal tone and feel that sits with a similar stance, which for me gets a cool thumbs up. The re-recording of ‘Full Speed Ahead’ works great, I have felt as the album plays through, the tracks get better and better and are well worth the wait.
Whilst this band may not be on the tip of an average metal fans tongue, those who remember this scene in its infancy will like this one. It’s not without some mix issues on earlier tracks, but that doesn’t mean it’s a poor release. The song writing and arrangements are right on the money, the energy required to carry off this style is in abundance and I can just imagine the joy on the faces of the band members as they are playing these metal tunes. To get the full picture, I implore you to check out their earlier material which is available (tangibly) in a couple of forms. This is a welcome return and bearing in mind this is a self-released independent album trading on a style that isn’t necessarily on everyone’s wave lengths currently, its relevant here as its still regarded highly over this side of the pond.
‘Shadow of Darkness’ gallops into life, musically this is right on the money and the powerful epic vocal delivery makes this a fine start to the release. Although I reserve judgement for the remainder of the album, but the production is a touch thin, the vocals are loud in the mix, the guitar lacking a certain amount of bass and the snare sometimes lost then sometimes overbearing. It’s a strange mix, but the music still kicks ass, that’s the main thing. Having said that, this wasn’t an instant winner, but as it grows I like it more, I just wish the mix was balanced better, and I’ve tried this on all manner of old and modern systems to get the feeling just right before making comment, a graphic equaliser definitely helps. ‘Executioner’ quickly redresses the balance marginally and it’s a touch more hard rockin’ and ‘Creeping Through the Night’ is a touch more raucous, slower and develops the vocal style a touch more, a little like some early material by Dio. ‘Power Metal’ figures higher in my appreciation, it has to really with such a track title! On this one the speed increases and becomes more familiar to the bands older sound and a touch more Saxon/Priest combined with a much better balance through the speakers (however ‘Under Fire’ really emphasises this similarity). ‘Standing on the Edge of Time’ is another stand out track for its pace, style and delivery, I sometimes feel this sounds like Sabbath’s ‘Born Again’ effort, there’s a vocal tone and feel that sits with a similar stance, which for me gets a cool thumbs up. The re-recording of ‘Full Speed Ahead’ works great, I have felt as the album plays through, the tracks get better and better and are well worth the wait.
Whilst this band may not be on the tip of an average metal fans tongue, those who remember this scene in its infancy will like this one. It’s not without some mix issues on earlier tracks, but that doesn’t mean it’s a poor release. The song writing and arrangements are right on the money, the energy required to carry off this style is in abundance and I can just imagine the joy on the faces of the band members as they are playing these metal tunes. To get the full picture, I implore you to check out their earlier material which is available (tangibly) in a couple of forms. This is a welcome return and bearing in mind this is a self-released independent album trading on a style that isn’t necessarily on everyone’s wave lengths currently, its relevant here as its still regarded highly over this side of the pond.
- Shadow Of Darkness
- Executioner
- Creeping Through The Night
- Power Metal
- Passages In Time - Instrumental
- Standing On The Edge Of Time
- Under Fire
- Hour Of Souls
- Full Speed Ahead 2014
