Released by: Razar Ice Records
Release date: 4 November 2015
Genre: Power Metal
Links: Facebook , reverencemetal.com
Lineup:
Todd Michael Hall – Vocals
Bryan Holland – Lead/Rhythm Guitars
Steve ‘Doc Killdrums‘ Wacholz – Drums
Pete Rossi – Lead/Rhythm Guitars
Michael Massie – Bass Guitar
Additional Musicians:
Lorenzo Gonzalez – Drums on “Choices Made“
Track Listing:
01. Gods of War
02. Heart of Gold
03. Until my Dying Breath
04. Angel in Black
05. Tear Down the Mountain
06. Blood of Heroes
07. Battle Cry
08. Choices Made
09. Splinter
10. Cleansed by Fire
11. Race to Obscene
Detroit, the Motor City, home of Motown, car manufacturing, and the legendary Cobo Hall has another claim to fame: the city where the band Reverence was born. Culminating from the ashes of bands like Savatage, Crimson Glory, Tokyo Blade, Burning Starr, and Riot V, just to name a few, with that pedigree you’re bound to create a metallic force to reckon with, the band set the groundwork to melt faces all over the universe. Reverence formed in 2010 when guitarist Brian Holland hooked up with vocalist Todd Michael Hall, the two formed a quick bond and decided they wanted to create a unique sound in the Power Metal world. With their first release, When Darkness Calls was released; it propelled the band into the metal world like a shotgun blast, bringing in fans and accolades worldwide.
Back with their 2nd album, Gods of War, Reverence continues on the path of power metal glory, with an even better album than their first. Taking elements of European power and creating a brilliant American power metal sound, Gods of War demonstrates why this band is loved by so many. With the stunning vocal abilities of Hall matched with the frenetic and crushing guitar work of Holland and Pete Rossi, the bone crushing power of drummer Steve “Doc Killdrums” Wacholz (except on “Choices Made” where drums were supplied by Lorenzo Gonzalez,) and the excellent bass skills of Michael Massie, the band creates such a masterful album. Crushing riffs, brilliant solos, and such an amazing voice, topped by killer metal anthems like “Heart of Gold,” “Tear Down the Mountain,” “Battle Cry,” and “Cleansed By Fire” make this one of the best albums of the year.
If Reverence stays on the same trajectory they have been, they’re soon to become a household name for metalheads everywhere. Though they play Power, this album should appeal to lovers of everything heavy metal. Their sound covers all the bases as far as I’m concerned. Gods of War is a brilliant follow-up to an already amazing debut, and one that you need in your collection.
Written by: Chris Martin
Ratings: Chris 9/10