The first track "Fear on the Bridge," might as well be a time machine because it sounds like you're in 1984 all over again. Packed with harmonizing guitars, up-tempo drumming and a combination of ultra cool falsetto vocals and over the top "METAL" lyrics. I normally dont like lame Dungeons and Dragons type stuff but I cant help but smile after hearing words like "enemies of Metal, your death is our reward!" on songs like "Deadly Sinners." That track truly is the highlight of the record and you dont want to know how any times I've looped it on my cd player.
Turns out there are two vocalists in the band. One does the oldschool, high pitched singing while the other uses modern day shrieks and screams. It seems like they could fit each song perfectly on their own, but when working together they do mesh well. "Dominion of Deceit," is a perfect example of their dual vocal attack and also shows the bands more aggressive side with its pummeling drum work and relentless guitars ("Swordmaster" is pretty extreme).
As much as I love this record, I have to admit that Advance and Vanquish isn't perfect. Somewhere after the halfway point the quality of the songs drops down a notch. I think its because they tried to fit too many songs onto one album. Honestly, did they really need "Crazy Nights" on here? Still, there is no denying that this record provides a welcome change of pace from all the current slop in today's North American metal scene.
Standout tracks:
Fear on the Bride
Deadly Sinners
Revenge is a Vulture
Dominion of Deceit
Destroy the Orcs