On which some key figures in metal prove they’ve still got it
One of the two key moments on this record comes with the first four lines of the third song. “Heads up/ I’m a man on a mission/No time for naysayers/get the hell out of my way.”
The track is called “Until My Dying Breath” and it’s everything you want from this type of balls to the wall, traditional heavy metal. It’s unapologetic, brash and confident. In short, it’s everything you’d expect it to be when these men got together and called themselves Reverence.
Y’see there’s something approaching Power Metal royalty here: Steve “Doc Killdrums” Wacholz was founding member of Savatage, and was in Crimson Glory is adding his skills and Reverence were formed by Bryan Holland of NWOBHM legends Tokyo Blade and Todd Michael Hall. Hall is famous for his incredible voice and huge vocal range and he’s at it here to great effect.
The overall feel of “Gods Of War” is one of classy, and classic heavy metal. The power metal thing gets overplayed when it comes to this band as there is nothing too OTT and instead if you long for the days when Dio stood above all others then this is the band for you.
Lyrically you know the drill, musically too there’s no ground being broken here. Why should there be? From the opening chugging horns in the air riff of the title track, to the angry closer of “Race To Obscene” – which takes on the modern music industry before showing it a clean pair of heels and a stuffed belt to boot – this is a confident and classy work.
As you’d imagine, the level of technical ability on show is stunning. Hall’s vocals on the likes of the galloping “Battle Cry” – which if it were on an early Iron Maiden record wouldn’t be out of place – are screeching and perfect, while the slower and more methodical “Choices Made” is a welcome change of pace.
The lyrical theme here is one of reflection, and it’s one that appears a couple of times on “…..War” notably on the brilliant ballad “Splinter” which adds to the mix quite superbly, and even on the heavy ones like “Cleansed By Fire” there’s a sadness – albeit wrapped around thoroughly catchy chorus. One which actually just as much as the aforementioned “…..Breath” encapsulates the album. “There are only two choices” sings Hall. “Quit or try”.
Reverence are certainly out there having a go. Whatever your personal battle, “Gods Of War” is here to provide the accompaniment.
Rating 8.5/10
