Review ASHES OF ARES “New Messiah”

Ashes Of Ares was founded in Newburgh, New York in 2012 by two well-known musicians. Former Iced Earth singer Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales (also formerly of Iced Earth) started the band, which released a self-titled debut album in 2013.

Following “Wall of Souls” and “Emperors and Fools”, the band launched two more records, and the latest, “New Messiah”, marks the next milestone for Ashes of Ares. Joining Barlow and Vidales is guest drummer Kyle Taylor, who provides the heartbeat for the new tunes.

The album opens with an intro called “Novus Ordo” which opens with an acoustic section before turning into a more powerful instrumental. The title track, “New Messiah”, comes rather early on the album. This up-tempo stunner is a great way to start the album, with finesse alongside the blazing speed. Barlow’s vocals inevitably hark back to his Iced Earth days, though Ashes of Ares also maintain their own trademark sound with songs like ‘Where You Go’.

The latter has a gentle, soulful acoustic beginning before the song takes a turn and reveals its heavy nature. Another song with a stronger acoustic part is ‘Keep on Walkin”. This half-acoustic song generally remains at a moderate pace, building on an acoustic theme while incorporating some powerful moments in the chorus.

The heavier parts of the album include “Wake of Vultures”, a power metal track with elegantly integrated breaks, and “Atrophy”, which also fires on all cylinders. “Atrophy” is another up-tempo track that showcases the beauty of heavy metal. These last two songs are excellent for some solid headbanging.

‘The Hawk and the Dove’ is a darker offering on the album, taking a more atmospheric approach. Next up is the aggressive and dark ‘Lust to Feed’. The thunderous finale of “From Hell He Rides” is extended on the CD version with a bonus track. Ashes of Ares recorded “And the House Fell Down”, originally by Elton John. Their interpretation combines the song’s origins with a more metallic feel, and works well as a bonus track.

“New Messiah” is Ashes of Ares’ fourth release and their most ambitious album to date. It feels as though the band has found its own identity, and the result is well-forged power metal with some nice twists. While it might not be groundbreaking, there is enough on “New Messiah” to get you headbanging.