ADAMANTIS – Reforged

(No Remorse)

Rating: 7.5

The opening “Ride For Ruin” features a guest spot from Jeff Loomis (Nevermore/ex-Arch Enemy) on guitar. While that may be the calling card for some, there’s lots to like about the Boston area outfit, who have visited many of the regional US metalfests, as well as getting the invite for Up The Hammer, in Greece.

The drummer is the brains behind the Stormbringer fest, but singer Jeff Stark is an unheralded talent in the underground, possessing a smooth, natural register. There are eight tracks, including the “The Fall Of Asterius” bonus. Most are in the 5+ minute range, apart from “Funeral For A King”, a 90 seconds instrumental intermezzo that precedes the title track.

“Steelclad” has a real European feel to it: tasty lead work and Stark’s highest pitch vocal. Slower begun, with jangly guitar, a lengthy “The Sailor On The Seas of Fate” really lets Stark struts “his stuff”: akin to an epic Maiden saga, with a swirl of (Middle) Eastern guitar interplay.

Regal, in the way of a triumphant march, “Time Of Contempt” is a mid-paced head bobbing, fist thruster. Like the others, there’s some quality guitarwork herein. Like-minded “Gates Of Miklagard” rides more prominent riffing, leading to a strong trot/galloping beat. The disc closes, much as it began, in a, spirited, slightly chaotic, full out sprint, courtesy of the aforementioned bonus cut. Need more of that diversity throughout the running order.

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Source: bravewords.com