Intense - As Our Army Grows
As Our Army Grows is the second effort in the career of English power metallers Intense. With this record they try to continue the success of their debut-album Second Sight, which was released in 2004. In between the release of these two albums Intense has been touring through the UK and Europe and clearly gained more experience, as you can hear when you compare these two records.
Intense plays typical power metal, yet with a very distinguishable sound to it. The record kicks off with ‘Anger of the Ancients’; a fast and heavy song starting with a great solo and then blending over into fast and straight power metal! Awesome song as an opener because it immediately shows you how they sound, what they are capable of, and you’re driven into the atmosphere of the complete record in no time!
Intense has opted for the advantage of having two guitarists (which is something you see less and less in power metal) and have used it completely. Great melodies and rhythms with some very powerful solos on top of it are a pleasure to listen to. It was especially with ‘Our Last Hope’ that my attention really got caught. It didn’t take them very long for me to sing along with the catchy lines sung very well by Sean Hetherington.
The diversity Intense has to offer is another great aspect. After some fast and heavy songs, ‘Insanity’s Call’ came as a blessing. The power that they create within this ballad-like song is very sublime and enjoyable.
Another highlight was ‘Fear Is Not Enough’ of which also a video has been made. Worth the view, right here!
Short said: As Our Army Grows will have every power metal fan excited from the first minute until the last. With this very well thought through and tight record, Intense have put another very decent piece of professionalism on the market!
Tracklisting
1. Anger of the Acients
2. Mirror Shroud
3. Our last hope
4. You die today
5. Insanity's call
6. Temptress
7. Fear is not enough
Chronicles of the New Flesh Trilogy:
8. Trojan Transmission
9. Strange New World
10. Long live the new flesh
2. Mirror Shroud
3. Our last hope
4. You die today
5. Insanity's call
6. Temptress
7. Fear is not enough
Chronicles of the New Flesh Trilogy:
8. Trojan Transmission
9. Strange New World
10. Long live the new flesh
Line up
Neil Ablard – Drums
Sephen Brine – Bass
Sean Hetherington – Vocals
Nick Palmer – Guitars
Dave Peak – Guitars
Sephen Brine – Bass
Sean Hetherington – Vocals
Nick Palmer – Guitars
Dave Peak – Guitars