|
MARAUDER by: Jonathan Mariante |
| Marauder
are a power metal band from Greece (this style of music is very popular
in that country) who have done a very interesting concept album. It's
about the Greek revolution of 1821, an event in history I was none too
familiar with until I heard this album. Apparently, the Greeks fought
a bloody war for independence against the Turks and eventually won. Now,
the album...these guys play some good, solid power metal, fast and hard,
with galloping riffs and a strong rhythm section. Singer Michalis Pagonis
has a good voice, if a little thick with his Greek accent. They keep it
simple and basic, without any keyboards or orchestrations, which is often
overused by other bands of this genre. It's meat-and-potatoes metal, but
Marauder does quite a good job of it, as they are talented musicians.
The album begins with the intro "Hellas-Land Of The Immortals", and then
launches into the galloping "The Greek Revolution begins. This is followed
by the anthemic "Free Like An Eagle", after which comes the epic "Faces
In The Sky". Another rocking tune, "Return Of The Warrior", comes next,
and then we have the mandatory ballad, "Two Eyes In The Dark." Next up
is "The Firebrands", which is similar to Maiden's "Stranger In A Strange
Land". The firebrands, I read, were the Greek navy fleets in this war.
Another instrumental is next, with "Red Sea", played on classical guitar.
Two more hard rockers follow, "God's Will" and "Cry For The Glorious Town",
and the album is rounded out by the Sabbath, funeral march influenced
"Heroes Fight Like The Greeks". Somewhat unusual as power metal bands
tend to shy away from Sabbath-like material, but it's a good tune. In
the song they're basically saying, "Greeks kick ass!" Well, these ones
sure do! They've turned out a quality power metal album here, and any
fan of this style of music would do well to add this to their collection.
Definitely a band to watch out for! More Ear Busters
|
More from the Online Metal Journal |
|
|
|
|