Artillery
Legions

[colored_box color=”grey”]Rating: 8
Label: Metal Blade
Website: Link
Author: John Savvidis[/colored_box]

This year they came back with a new frontman Michael Bastholm Dahl (3rd or 4th if I’m not mistaken) and a new album called “Legions” starting off with the 6-minute crushing epic “Chill My Bones (Burn My Flesh)” showing off the classic Artillery elements I described above: mid-eastern melodies (especially in the great chorus). On its most part a midtempo track with a fast outbreak for a solo and in the beginning and Dahl showing some great vocal talent (somewhat like Anthrax’s Belladona with a strong Hard Rock feel in his voice). “God Feather” kicks in with fast riffage reminiscent of Exodus and a chorus with fast soloing in the background and the song title repeated, then breaking into midtempo for a small solo. Time for the title track which is the video of the album balancing between midtempo and fast thrashing Artillery style with an anthemic addictive chorus to be sang in concerts. Coming up next we have “Wardrum Heartbeat” brings more Thrashing for the listener in a bigger song with alot of groove (the band seems in a great mood) Including another kick ass chorus (sometimes the vocals have a power metal feeling which is great) and top notch soloing. Next we have a slower headbanging track called “Global Flatline” breaking into a faster part with another really good chorus and great riffage either groovy or fast/midtempo Thrashing.

The same goes with “Dies Irae” although its a bit smaller, “Anno Requiem” on the other hand is a lot faster and made for live shows with some midtempo outbursts. The next one is a balladesque song called “Enslaved To The Nether” starting almost like a Hard N Heavy ballad with beautiful soloing and acoustic guitars in the verses including an explosive solo in the middle. “Doctor Evil” starts off with a headbanging riff then goes into midtempo riffage and from there into some small fast breaks including some more great soloing and good chorus. The upcoming track “Ethos Of Wrath” brings up the speed with its fast paced intro balancing between speed and midtempo moshing riffage showing once more the amazing voice of Dahl (yeah that was the biggest bet to be won for Artillery and they won that alright). And what riffage that is, top notch as well as the solos and chorus.

Artillery managed throughout their 4th reformation to remain consistent and solid in terms of album releases. Something really hard even for more well-known bands out there. Thumbs up to them and I’d love to see these guys playing live with that line up. Respect to Artillery and crank it up loud!