This is a new Epic metal band from Cyprus, they quite clearly sound and are inspired by the various stage of pre-90’s Manowar. You get that from the vocal expression and the music from the initial opener ‘The Eternal Oath’ which in itself isn’t much to start the release with, by that I mean it’s slightly subdued.

‘One Eyed King’ is a little more like it, possessing that classic rolling rhythm associated with the aforementioned Kings of Metal. The augmentation of the keyboards actually helps, even though I’m not a fan of these anywhere! ‘Son of the Old Gods’ is typical to the gods of metal, even including a bit of a bass solo during the guitar solo. Here the augmentation of the keyboards works, it sounds like more “voices” singing in harmony supported by the rebel rousing guitar and drum patterns. If anything, it’s a key comparable to the influences I’ve mentioned, but the vocals are not as strong or as loud in the mix as Eric Adams’. ‘Helmetsmasher’ you think is a ballad, bam, the war gods have other ideas, this is “epic” ha. You even get some Skyclad added for me.

‘March to Die’ feels a little different, earthier, the lead break at the start sounds more melodic and less “in-character”. You might find your “death tone” ha, but this is pure cynicism on my part. However, I would draw your attention to another awesome solo. I’ve done four minutes, I thought it was going to outstay its welcome this song, however, there’s a fantastic pick up in pace, kind of like early Maiden, quite redeeming and hey, we get another cool solo. This really does the trick, wow, the running riffs that follow can have you bobbing away till the end; a very positive arrangement, clever, you think it’s done, it’s not, “no surrender, no retreat” indeed. ‘Stand and Be Counted’ has me smiling, I’m imagining a live outdoor stage in Germany, this will have the crowd in your pocket, just listen, hopefully you hear what I am trying to say!

It’s pretty obvious where the influences lie, where fans follow from, maybe a key point in time to gain establishment with the elder statesmen “perhaps” winding things down after 2025. ‘Tears of the Gorgon’ isn’t so much a tribute, it’s quite close, but it’s more a celebration of the musical style that has won many fans over through sheer bloody mindedness. March to Die sound like this, yes its “sounds like” etc, put I really don’t think these Cypriots give a damn about what others think, they are clearly enjoying their music, and many of you will too.

(8/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/marchtodie666

https://marchtodie666.bandcamp.com/album/tears-of-the-gorgon