Noise Art Records (2012)

Hungarian power metal act Wisdom seems ready to strike an international chord with their third album “Judas”. Previous efforts like “Words Of Wisdom” and “At The Gates” received strong interest from the Asian markets, as the band received label deals with Soundholic and Spinning Records. Based on my numerous spins of this 10 song, 40 minute record, I think Wisdom stand on par with most of the better power metal bands currently coming out with product.

Requisite aspects for power enjoyment begin with a commanding singer- and Wisdom fortunately has within its ranks Gabor Nagy. The man’s resonance and lung capacity remind me of Graham Bonnet- equal to the task with a slower, crawling anthem like “Somewhere Alone” just as much as the standard up tempo, double bass fist pumping “Live Forevermore”. Secondly, you need musical accompaniment that balances out the cultural, mead-hall positive chords with a sense of mythology and fantasy- and songs such as “Wander The World” plus “Silent Hill” evoke thoughts of Helloween, Hammerfall, and early Edguy among others.

A positive final selling point for “Judas” includes the guest lead vocal appearance from Mats Leven (ex-Therion, At Vance) on the 6:42 title track- his majestic melodies matching the fiery guitar work from Gabor Kovacs and Zsolt Galambos. With plans in place for a big support tour in the fall across Europe with Sabaton and Eluveitie, Wisdom will certainly be the bearer of warming up the crowd with their energetic antics.

What once was thought of as a German, Italian or Scandinavian mainstay, Wisdom prove you don’t need to hail from those areas to be on top of the power metal game. “Judas” reigns supreme because of all killer, no extraneous filler material.

www.wisdom.hu
www.noiseart.cc

Rating: 4.5 / 6

Composed by Matt Coe