Band : Armory  

Title album : The Dawn Of Enlightenment

Record label : Self release

Distribution :

Release date : 02/012008

Review : CD

Originally released in 2004, their first demo has been reprinted and is now available again with two bonus cover tracks of Maiden and Helloween . The Dawn Of Enlightenment aptly captures everything Armory is about: a certain optimism, superbly catchy songwriting and a grand epic feeling. The songs are infused with a ton of speed and are played with reckless abandon.

Armory's power metal stylings alternate between Dragonforce, Edguy, Helloween and Blind Guardian. Good high/mid-pitched vocals, powerful, terrific hooks; heavily overloaded sweeping rhythms; and fantastic, scorching guitar work relying on fast paced, yet imaginative enough drumming and also a good sound form a very interesting melange, which even with me, who normally is not so much into the teutonic shredding metal sound, finds fertile soil . Armory have not undertaken any musical experiments, we still get quite epic power metal with keyboard support, The use of background medieval sounds and keyboards to add atmosphere to the music coupled with attention to the vocal melodies shows a band that is taking its music seriously.

Hordes of sword swinging barbarians echo around the room with an ease that will please most any fan of heavy metal.

85/100

Cosmicmasseur.