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ARMORED DAWN
Barbarians In Black
AFM Records

Since forming in 2014 and boasting a diverse touring resume of playing alongside MEGADETH, SYMPHONY X, MARILLION, FATES WARNING, SABATON, RHAPSODY and, for some reason, THE OFFSPRING, Sao Paulo, Brazil-based symphonic metallers ARMORED DAWN have been plying their breakneck style of fast riffs, heavy-sounding rhythm and powerful vocals. It may take the efforts of six able-bodied men - Eduardo Parras (vocals), Timo Kaarkoski (guitar), Tiago De Moura (lead guitar), Fernando Giovanetti (bass), Rafael Agostino (keyboards/rhythm guitar) and Rodrigo Oliveira (drums) - but these same men are thankfully masters of their respected crafts who contribute equally to the 10-song opus of awesomeness that is their second album titled Barbarians In Black.

Opening number “Beware Of The Dragon” is classic power metal bliss without the overwrought vocals, though Eduardo Parras has the melodic range to direct the course of the song and then some. By the third song, a driving number titled “Men Of Odin”, he’s comfortable enough to conduct his voice to suit the song. The guitar work of Timo Kaarkoski and Tiago De Moura, particularly on this song as well as “Bloodstone”, “Unbreakable” and “Gods Of Metal” among others, is intricate and free, without any hint of unnecessary layering or overstepping in the tone. That said, for me, the top song from the album would be “Sail Away”, with its haunting chorus and even more haunting keyboard work courtesy of Rafael Agostino. “Sail Away” was also selected as Barbarians’ first promo song, complete with a literal bird’s eye view video that was shot in and around Sao Paulo. According to Parras: “Every band member had to play a small part, which was a major challenge for us despite the fun we had. But the best performance was delivered by the eagle Darwin who stars in the video.” Finally, another top-notch cut from the album titled “Survivor” branches out of ARMORED DAWN’s classic symphonic power metal sound and takes a chance with replicating a bit of the classic 80’s Sunset Strip sound - and succeeds, though it’ll likely be overshadowed by “Gods Of Metal” for most folks wanting to feel the true secret of steel on this album.

And, indeed, Barbarians In Black will definitely hold sway amongst many fans of the true metal genre thanks to Seeb Levermann (ORDEN OGAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE, ALMANAC), who was ARMORED DAWN’s favored candidate for the production job. Seeb’s production work in particular for his own band ORDEN OGAN was what attracted ARMORED DAWN to seek out his skills on this album, resulting in some top-quality chemistry between the two parties and a colorful-sounding album that appeals to everyone’s tastes.

5.0 Out Of 5.0

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