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Lords Of Black: Mechanics Of Predacity
Lords Of Black - Mechanics Of Predacity Album Art

Lords Of Black: Mechanics Of Predacity

Heavy Power Metal
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 12.03.2024 | Released: 15.03.2024

Once more we return to multi-national band Lords Of Black which features Ronnie Romero (v), Dani Criado (b), Jo Nunez (d), and founder, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tony Hernando. After a three year absence, the quartet returns with their sixth studio album, Mechanics of Predacity. Hernando explains: Mechanics of Predacity "embarks on a profound exploration of humanity's primal instinct: Predacity. From the earliest days of humble animal and tribal existence to the complex dynamics of modern society, the album meticulously navigates the relentless nature of human predation ... the harsh reality that greed, power, and malevolence have consistently fueled conflicts throughout history."

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Lords Of Black

Musically, Lords Of Black wraps this theme in the bombastic combination of traditional heavy and power metal. The songs feature Hernando's arrangements which makes them guitar-driven, riff roaring monsters with his epic, fiery guitar solos. The rhythm section propels the fast and heavy groove, and Romero remains the assertive, razor like voice above the fray.


Speaking to the songs within, I would make one first, general observation: Mechanics of Predacity is likely some of the best heavy metal the band has created to date. Here, I would point to songs such as Crown Of Thorns, Born Out Of Time, Let It Burn (somehow reminded me a Judas Priest song), or the epic, catchy metal anthem, Can We Be Heroes Again.

But there's also some subtle nuances featuring Hernando's acoustic guitar work at the start: For What Is Owed To Us and I Want The Darkness To Stop. Videos available within this review. Obsessions Of The Mind offers a lingering, nearly overwhelmed, piano melody. Finally, there's the eleven minute opus A World That's Departed, arranged in three parts which some may consider a venture into progressive power metal. If anything, it has a terrific piano and guitar solo segue in the middle.

All in all, with Mechanics of Predacity Lords Of Black delivers, in my humble opinion, their best album of classic guitar-driven heavy power metal. Tony Hernando guitar work is terrific and the songs well-crafted. Easily recommended.



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The Take Away

With Mechanics of Predacity Lords Of Black delivers, in my humble opinion, their best album of classic guitar-driven heavy power metal. Tony Hernando guitar work is terrific and the songs well-crafted. Easily recommended.

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