(Power Metal) [CD] Wardrum - Desolation - 2012, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Over the past decade I have been evident to deep insertion of new Heavy / Power Metal bands from Greece. Though the Swedish scene has been accompanying the world scene with old school British stuff, the Greeks have been applying as Metalheads with breaking Euro and US Power Metal moments while trying to reinsert the glorious 80s back into recognition. As both an 80s and a US Power Metal fan, I had a few trepidations when it came to the brand new “Desolation”, and sophomore, release via Steel Gallery Records of the Thessaloniki based group of WARDRUM. With a new vocalist in their bullet belt under the name of Yannis Papadopoulos (CROSSWIND / UNTIL RAIN), this fierce group of four, with a lot of talent, turned out to have quite a good sagacity towards the old school style plus really fine extras.

Right from the second track, “Sign Of Treason”, though the opening attack of “Unforgiving” wasn’t that bad at all, I felt strong energies rushing through my veins. Both the music and vocals seemed so intense and full of life. Following “Sign Of Treason”, and later tracks such as the humongous “Higher Sky”, the blasting straightforward mania barrage of “No Retreat”, not sure if religious but utterly convincing “F.A.I.T.H.”, harmonic “Common Ground” and the chorus magnificence of “Parental”, and trust me that I haven’t included all the examples because I have to leave something for you to decide as well, it was like renewing marriage vows. It was another of my wedding vows’ renewal with Heavy Metal. WARDRUM astounded me with their old QUEENSRYCHE, FATES WARNING and CRIMSON GLORY allusions that drove me crazy. Well it wasn’t a hundred percent of an even flight towards the lungs of hell, but it was sure close to it (I am not sure about that last metaphor, but I will leave it be).

Though I liked “Desolation” it was a little hard for me to distinguish a pattern or a theme that the band chose to follow and concentrate. In general, it sounded to me like the common stuff that have been a part of Power Metal, along with the same belligerent and flamboyant strong riffing, melodic nature, precision and above normal features provided by the music. I think that WARDRUM has quite a potential to rise up above many other bands in their local scene and within their continent. While most of the old school efforts sound more modern than what those were supposed to sound, there are always bands standing in the corner waiting to show out their faces with burning red eyes filled with wild old energies to carry on the burning bright flame.

Kostas Scandalis Bass
Stergios Kourou Drums
Kosta Vreto Guitars
Yannis Papadopoulos Vocals