Back in the early ’80s, Metal Blade Records had a series called Metal Massacre which showcased a list of underground, unsigned Heavy Metal acts. A place where legends like Metallica, Ratt, Overkill, and Slayer had their tracks featured, these now out of print compilations are highly coveted, and overall, great pieces of Heavy Metal history. A series which ran throughout the ’80s, some of the more memorable moments from the early days of these releases came on 1982’s Metal Massacre II and 1983’s Metal Massacre III when a band by the named Warlord were included with songs called “Lucifer’s Hammer” and “Mrs. Victoria.”
Piquing major curiosity, Warlord proved to have an elite Heavy Metal sound which eventually found them signing a record deal with Metal Blade; going onto release the highly praised 6-track EP Deliver Us in ’83, followed by the full-length album And the Cannons of Destruction Have Begun… in ’84. A promising beginning, facing a list of challenges, including finding lineup stability, Warlord would sadly go on to disband in ’86. Fortunately, this would not be the final time anyone would hear from the band; because thanks to an underground swell of support, they would indeed reunite in 2001.
Fifteen long years later, interestingly enough the reunion would not only include original Drummer Mark Zonder and Guitarist William J Tsamis, but also Hammerfall’s Joacim Cans joining up on vocals as they put out Rising Out of the Ashes in 2002. Something that is well worth checking out, many more years would go by before Warlord would be heard from again, but when they did it would be with Rick Anderson (who sang with the band back in 1986) returning on vocals, to release the 2013 album The Holy Empire. Seeming as if the dust had finally settled, more change came in the years to follow with Nicholas Leptos taking over on vocals for touring and the 2015’s The Hunt for Damien (an album of re-recorded older Warlord material). Working together into 2017, tragically in the spring of 2021 William J Tsamis passed away at the age of 60, thus leaving Warlord’s future highly uncertain.
At this point seemingly unlikely to ever hear the band again, Zonder surprised fans and decided to keep Warlord going in a new formation that was unveiled in 2023. Yet another chapter in their saga, the latest lineup is led by Zonder, who many may remember for his existing period with Fates Warning, on drums as the sole original member. Joining him is a solid lineup that features Philip Bynoe (known for his work with Steve Vai) on bass, Alcatrazz’s Jimmy Waldo on keyboards, Crystal Viper’s Eric Juris on guitar, and Giles Lavery (who performed at a point with Warlord back in 2013) on vocals. All experienced players, the next big question is probably – what does this new edition of Warlord bring? Well, that is the biggest payoff… because with a new team in tow, they have recorded the first studio album of all original Warlord material in over a decade. These factors in mind, following their work together in studio last year, the songs they crafted are now out under the title Free Spirit Soar; the brand-new album which emerged on May 10, 2024 through High Roller Records.
Technically Warlord’s fifth overall studio album, if you recall the last time the band had a complete album of new originals songs to offer, they were a rather impressive mix of epic Heavy Metal. However, that was over 10 years ago, and that also still featured Tsamis as a leading composer/guitarist. So, you might wonder, can the new Warlord capture the same magic as their past triumphs? The answer is really objective to those who give Free Spirit Soar a listen, but in all honesty, the material here is really rather top notch. Complete with 10 tracks, the melodies are soaring, the compositions are well thought out, and approach is overall full of intrigue.
What you get are songs that unify Progressive Metal, traditional Heavy Metal, and Power Metal all into one. Not leaning too far in any of these mentioned Metal stylistic directions, what the music does do is find different ways of keeping you involved. This in mind, perhaps the most enthralling tracks of the set would have to include “Conquerors,” “Worms of the Earth,” and the title-track. Each featuring fantastic guitar riffs that dance around gloriously, Lavery also does a solid job taking the reins on vocals, while the rest of the band mesh perfectly as a collective.
In the end, Warlord’s return is one that should not only please their dedicated followers, but also assure that their legacy continues to forge a new path well into the future. That is why Cryptic Rock commend these underrated Heavy Metal warriors, giving Free Spirit Soar 4 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment