Pitch Black Records (2012)

I remember this Greek classic power metal band during my early college tape trading days. Still slugging it out in the scene, “Elegy Of Blood” is their fifth studio record since their formation 22 years ago. Not much has changed through the years - this is mid-tempo to fast paced double bass pumping power metal, vocals straight out of the Manowar/swords and sorcery motif while musically the quintet express a healthy amount of love for Grave Digger or any band with a galloping nature to their arrangements. Plenty of flag waving, soccer chanting moments on this one, from the military, guitar harmony oriented  title introduction to the Running Wild-like gang vocals on “Warriors”.

My main detraction from recommending “Elegy Of Blood” remains solely on the inadequate vocal strain from Alexander Kostarakos. His high pitch warbling on “Roman Empire” and lower work on the ballad-like “Mother” proves he’s more of an outside the box singer, epic when he needs to be but not necessarily hitting every part within key.

Headbang away if the old school is still cool for you.

www.marauder.gr
www.pitchblackrecords.com

Rating: 3 / 6

Composed by Matt Coe