“After approximately 10 years I’m ready for something new and exciting”. This is what the Dutch guy David Marcelis must have thought when he started his Lord Volture project back in 2007. He quit his vocal duties for bands like Methusalem and Conquestador and locked himself up in a studio. Before hearing even one second of his work in this particular studio I already must say there’s nothing wrong with his contacts. He, for example, succeeded in getting guitar legend and frontman of Annihilator, Jeff Waters to come over to his studio to play some nice guitar tunes on the album Beast Of Thunder.

 

After a spoken poem as an intro Marcelis and his men kick off with the mid-tempo title track. With especially high-pitched vocals, a lot of space for the guitar players to show off their skills and a solid, but submissive rhythm section the basis is very stable. Speaking in soccer terms: the rhythm section can be seen as the sober defensive line, the midfield consists of some creative guitar players and singer David Marcelis is the offensive captain. When you put this in writings there’s nothing wrong with it, but what would happen if they’ll have to compete with a well-established opponent? Lord Volture’s music does remind me a bit of Iced Earth’s sound. When these Americans would take it up against these relatively new Dutchmen, the latter would taste defeat. Until a certain point they can be seen as equals, but the lack of an own, unique sound will eventually be decisive.

 

If you just want to enjoy “the game” and if you’re satisfied enough with cheering for the runner-up, instead of the champion you heavy and power metal fans should definitely check out Lord Volture.