In today’s scene, you are only limited by the level of commitment and effort you put in. Thanks to the inter-connectivity of the internet and plethora of musicians with home recording studios, creating an album is easier than ever. Take the debut album from this US metal act Warrion. The brainchild of guitarist Ron Ravi Warrion, he took it upon himself to assemble the best musicians he could find and experts at their craft: vocalist Mike Vescera (Obsession, ex-Loudness, ex-Yngwie), vocalist George Call (Aska, Banshee, ex-Omen), guitarist Tim Thomas (Abbatoir, ex-Agent Steel), bassist Keith Knight (Aska) and drummer Rob Brug.
The 11 tracks are solid in the traditional/power metal ways of US metal- I’m sure many will find loads of 80’s reference points in terms of high octane melodies, equally captivating guitar riffs and this brotherhood of atmosphere that bleeds for the true cause. Riot, Obsession, early Queensryche, and Dio during his “Holy Diver”/ “Last In Line” album periods come to mind the most win taking in great songs like “Carnage”, “Adversary”, and “Serpents Fire”. Ron’s riffing style has a lot of explosiveness, intertwining dark chords with uplifting neo-classical flairs a la Randy Rhoads or Gus G from Firewind.
This is one of those cases where I would have loved to hear more music- as the 33 minutes seems to fly by. Warrion lives for a bygone time- bringing the passion for metal glory back to a younger generation who believe power metal is all about shimmering, choir-oriented choruses and happy keyboard runs. I’m curious to hear if “Awakening the Hydra” will be more than a one-time effort- we need more of this classic power style in our stereos and listening devices.
Matt Coe, HMS
msc2471@comcast.net