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Scorcher: Armageddon from the Sky

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

4.5/5.0

Website (Label)
Steel Gallery Records
by Craig Hartranft,  12.06.2012

There's an abundance of classic melodic heavy and power metal out there. Most of it remains underground, just like it was in the early Eighties. Now it's underground thanks to the current crushing weight of harsh modern metal. Largely, it's also found overseas with our European brethern who have a better sense of heavy metal history than those in the States. Scorcher comes from Greece on the same country's underground heavy and power metal label Steel Gallery Records.

Essentially, Scorcher, and the debut album Armageddon from the Sky is the one man band DIY effort of ex-Dragon's Lair guitarist, Tex (Vaggelis Tekas?). Tex does it all: vocals, guitars, bass, and drums, and all at the same time. Just kidding.

Basically, Armageddon from the Sky is a time warp to mid-Eighties NWOBHM and US power metal, and Tex does a damn fine job of it from start to finish. Of course, his lead guitar work gets the biggest nod, but he's also solid vocalist and good song composer. At first I was skeptical as the production seems a bit soft, even muffled, at times. But Tex/Scorcher delivers, and delivers well. All the songs are strong melodic heavy metal, even epic, speedy at times, with lots of melody and huge guitar solos. He mellows on the acoustic The Mountains of the Sky, but it's a cool interlude to more metal. I liked it all. But it was to short, only 37 minutes, the only flaw. Otherwise, Armageddon from the Sky is easily recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Fifty Years Later is strong and entertaining second effort of melodic metal from this talented band.

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By far, Sweden's Eclipse is one of my favorite bands. Always consistent and always entertaining, Eclipse has been delivering their 21st century version of melodic metal rock since songwriter, producer ... [ Read More ]