Review OVERLORDE ‘Awaken the Fury’

Overlorde unleashed a self-titled EP back in 1988 right before the first era of the New Jersey-based band came to an end. The new century brought a return of the four-piece and a full-length album called ‘Return of the Snow Giant’ brought also new songs to the metal community.

With ‘Awaken the Fury’, Overlorde launched a new album sharp before the Christmas holidays and what fans get offered is a well-done metal album with references to a time when metal had its first heydays. While listening to the album I was reminded of bands like Sanctuary, the early Queensrÿche as well as Fates Warning. It isn’t one of these bands in specific that delivers the blueprint for ‘Awaken the Fury’. It’s more the various elements in each of the songs that show some parallels.

It’s not an easy thing to pick a few songs as each of these ten smashing metal songs is a little treat and it starts with the title track. This thundering metal anthem has also some progressive structures in way that those add to the brilliance of this traditional headbanger.

Overlorde’s newest effort is more than just a quick shot out of the hips. Each of the tunes is a filigree piece of music that reflects great craftsmanship. Take the exciting ‘Battle of Marathon’ as well as the seven-minute epos ‘Gargoyles’ with its atmospheric beginning. With cinematic intensity the song shows the songwriting skills of the band. The dramatic and calm beginning brings George Tsalikis to the spotlight. Mentioning the singer; Tsalikis does an excellent job with a vocal range that isn’t shy of high pitch screams.

Regardless of where you drop the needle, fans of traditional metal will enjoy what blasts out of the speakers. ‘Ashes’, ‘Hammer Strike’ and the album closing ‘Migraine’ are powerful and savage metal anthems, showing that the underground is alive.

Overlorde deliver with ‘Awaken the Fury’ an excellent (power-) metal album. Although the blueprint of their approach connects to the 80s, ‘Awaken the Fury’ sounds fresh and dynamic while also unveiling this warm oldschool sound. Fans of traditional heavy metal shouldn’t miss this album.