Released by Independent Release – 2010

Review Added May 13, 2010

Release by: Independent Release Out Now
Style: Power Metal
Links: http://www.myspace.com/armorymetal
Links: http://www.faithinsteel.com/

Tracklist
1. The Tempest
2. Faith in Steel
3. Riding The Cosmic Winds
4. Forever Triumphant
5. Heart Of Dreams
6. Warrior Forlorn
7. Forged In Dragon Flames
8. The Eyes Of Time
9. Mystic Star
10. The Dawn Of Enlightenment
11. Flight Of Icarus
12. Dr. Wily

Vocals – Adam Kurland
Guitar –Joe Kurland
Guitar –Chad Fisher
Drums –Tom Vieira
Bass – Thomas Preziosi
Keys – Peter Rutcho

O.K the first thing I need to say about this album is “how in the hell did I miss this so far??”. THE DAWN OF ENLIGHTENMENT is actually a full re-recording of an album that was originally recorded in 2004, and has now been re-released with two bonus tracks. Before I received my copy of the album, all I had heard from ARMORY was a few sound clips from their myspace page, which isn’t really enough to judge was a band is going to sound like pumping out of the stereo. I put the album in the player and began listening to a short instrumental number THE TEMPEST. It seemed pretty good so far, but I really wasn’t prepared for what was to follow. As soon as the first proper song FAITH IN STEEL was over, I was stunned at how good this band was, especially when you consider they are unsigned! Once I got to the end of the album, I put it on repeat right away, and seriously it was the only thing I listened to for three days straight. The sound is a perfect combination of the happy power metal from Europe and the slightly more aggressive approach usually taken by American power metal bands, all topped off with a homage to the traditional heavy metal masters that came before them. And yes, ARMORY wear their influences clearly on their sleeves, with hints of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, HAMMERFALL and a slight bit of MANOWAR. From start to finish, this is a very high quality release played by some of the most exciting new players in the power metal scene.

The guitar work across the board is nothing short of stunning, but what blew me away the most was vocalist ADAM KURLAND, man can this guy sing!! His phrasing and high-register in particular remind me a lot of BRUCE DICKINSON, which would have to be just about the biggest compliment a trad-metal vocalist could ever wish to hear. Wanna see how much he can sound like the mighty DICKINSON?, check out the first of two bonus tracks, a cover of the IRON MAIDEN classic FLIGHT OF ICARUS, one of the best cover versions I’ve ever heard. The other bonus track DR. WILY is a musical ditty ispired by the music from the Nintendo game MEGA MAN. The lyrics were another high point for me, some may find them a little cheesy in places, but they are perfect for me and wouldn’t have wanted them any other way.

I can truly say that this is the best all around self-funded debut I’ve heard since ANGEL WITCH, and one of the best power metal/ traditional metal of the last two decades. I can whole-heartedly recommend THE DAWN OF ENLIGHTENMENT to anyone that calls themselves a metal fan. Grab it now, because I have a feeling that ARMORY are going to be huge in the near future.

Written by Zeezee