Music Review: Sacred Oath - Sacred Oath - Page 2

The band is the same line-up as on the ‘Till Death Do US Part album. Billy Smith, a guitar pupil of Rob Thorne, trades licks with his former teacher. The fact that he was taught by the man he now plays alongside of, shines through with a near telepathic understanding and dovetailing of sound. Rob still takes the majority of the lead breaks, but the contribution of Billy Smith cannot be understated and his presence powers this album along with characteristic window rattling riffage, (try saying that with a mouthful of crisps).

Maybe there is a clue as to the band’s current status within the album’s title. Self titled records are usually the first album from any band, so maybe they see this one as confirmation of a rising from the ashes, a re-birth, or a fresh new start. That is exactly how it sounds to my metal hungry senses. It also underlines the fact that they are well and raising the classic power metal flag to fight the good fight once again.

So what does Sacred Oath the album give us? Unashamed traditional metal, but with glorious 2009 production, that’s what. There are also shed loads of Rob Thorne’s trademark vocal acrobatics. Meanwhile, said teacher and pupil serve up riff after riff, and solo upon solo, as the album blasts forth.

One thing you do need to know before logging on and buying this album is that there are two versions available, a basic ten track one, and a deluxe fourteen track digipack beast with lyrics and generous sixteen page booklet.

From the opening near rabid gallop of “Paradise Lost,” you know that you will need to match the band for energy just to listen to the album. It screams ‘we’re back’ in full defiant 'Oathbanger' style. Next up is “Blood Storm,” a track that is a formula one car on speed powering forwards with a manic grin on the driver’s face.

“Voodoo Dolls” ensures that there is no pause for thought, or any room for wondering where the hell Sacred Oath went for twenty years, it’s just a solid assault of classic power metal. The full length “Counting Zeros” demands ridiculous volume, tempting you, like some smiling red devil on your shoulder, to reach for that switch. Rob’s voice hits every target above textbook riffs. This is today’s Sacred Oath at the very peak of their power.

Article Author: Jeff Perkins

Jeff is a writer who lives in France. He writes CD/DVD box sets, music reviews and has had a book published about David Byron of Uriah Heep. He is 'busy' exploring the music of Europe with his wife Debbie and dog Dylan. It's Dylan that does the writing of course. …

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