Review Summary: All that glitters is not gold, but Sacred Outcry seem to have the Midas touch.
If you were fortunate enough to experience the vibrant metal scene of the mid-'90s, you lived the glorious heyday of power metal, perhaps without even realizing it at the time. It was an era when grunge had started fading out and the troubled youth were looking for refugee towards various directions including black and death metal, leaving an entire community of metal enthusiasts in search of a non-extreme alternative. A few years ago, Kai Hansen had emerged as an unexpected savior, skillfully combining elements from legendary acts like Iron Maiden, Ritchie Blackmore, Uli Jon Roth, and Yngwie Malmsteen, among others. This fusion of influences set the foundation for what we now recognize as European power metal.
In the wake of Hansen's groundbreaking contributions, a wave of remarkable bands followed suit. Enter the likes of Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Grave Digger, and Iced Earth – each leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Of course, we can't forget the presence of Manowar, although they occupy a distinct space outside the realm of Euro power metal. That's a tale for another time, one that intertwines with the essence of this review.
As the era drew to a close, a shining star burst onto the scene: Lost Horizon. Fronted by the then golden boy of power metal, Daniel Heiman, their entrance was nothing short of impressive. It was a fitting climax to an era defined by soaring melodies, powerful vocals, and the unrelenting spirit of metal.
Now, you may be curious about the name-calling, and it's only fair to question that. However, let me assure you that
Towers of Gold is simply phenomenal. If there were a means to transport this album back 25 years, Sacred Outcry would have either achieved much greater recognition than they currently enjoy or remained one of power metal's best-kept secrets. From the captivating cover art to the concept behind it and the songs themselves, the Greek band's sophomore effort is an absolute tour-de-force, an epic voyage to a bygone era.
2020 saw the release of
Damned For All Time, a record that set the bar exceptionally high. Since then, nearly the entire band has undergone changes. One of the most notable losses was vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos, who chose to focus on Beast in Black. This left the band facing a daunting decision: how do you replace one of the finest modern power metal vocalists? Well, they found the answer in none other than the aforementioned Daniel Heiman, renowned for his work with Lost Horizon. Fans of his will be delighted to hear his exceptional performance on this album, which ranks among his very best. Just listen to the spine-tingling verse "
Go now but know you cannot trust his voice" in "The City of Stone" to experience his prowess. However, this is not a one-man show, as the songwriting on
Towers of Gold is equally remarkable. It brings together the lyrical prowess of Warlord, the aggression of Manowar, the ambition of Domine, the magic of Blind Guardian, the melodic sensibility of Helloween, the grandeur of Virgin Steele, and the atmospheric textures of Crimson Glory. It's an impressive amalgamation that truly sets this album apart.
For those of you seeking solely fast-paced tracks, prepare to be pleasantly surprised, as
Towers of Gold focuses on crafting an immersive and grandiose atmosphere, featuring an abundance of captivating mid-tempo sections. The album's primary objective is to weave a narrative tapestry, resulting in a cinematic experience that permeates every note. Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting melodies and the haunting sense of melancholy that intertwines seamlessly with the overarching storyline—a tale of a group of men embarking on a perilous quest to locate the elusive Towers of Gold. The music effortlessly follows the ebb and flow of the narrative, taking the listener on a captivating journey replete with unexpected twists and turns.
In the grand scheme of things, it might be premature to declare whether
Towers of Gold surpasses its predecessor. However, one thing is certain: it offers an enthralling and immersive experience that is hard to resist. While it may not be the catalyst to convert non-fans into avid followers of power metal, those who harbor a fondness for the genre's golden era will undoubtedly hail Sacred Outcry's sophomore opus as a modern power metal masterpiece and one of the year's most formidable releases. Its captivating allure and undeniable strength make it a standout entry in the genre, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of power metal enthusiasts far and wide.
