Review Summary: Idol Throne refines their power-thrash style with extra venom on A Clarion Call
Having made a strong first impression with 2022’s The Sibylline Age, Idol Throne’s power-thrash comes back with even more bite on A Clarion Call. The ‘thrash’ portion of that equation seems to be emphasized more this time around than it had been on its predecessor, driving by even faster pacing and amounting to a leaner overall runtime. Of course, the band’s established penchants for technical prowess and intricate structuring remain undeterred.
Speaking of which, the musicianship does well in exploring a bit more while staying true to the band’s strengths. The production feels much fuller than before with the meatier guitar tone giving things even more weight while never undermining that neoclassical flair while the drums hit even harder. The vocals also retain their unique flavor, never losing sight of melodicism even when dipping into a harsher timbre.
The songwriting also feels more manageable than before even with it maintaining their elaborate flair, especially shining during the first half. “Ecliptykon” and “Covenant of the Immortal” are a commendable opening one-two with the former offering a tight chorus atop fiery speeds while the latter mixes its dynamics nicely. “Petrified” and “The Last Voyage” are also standouts for their more straightforward executions but excel as their choruses opt for different approaches between the former’s ultra-melodic notes and the latter’s infectious gang shouts.
Overall, Idol Throne refines their style with extra venom with A Clarion Call. While the band’s core components haven’t been too dramatically altered, the stronger production and powerful performances help the songwriting feel even more potent than it did before. It can still take a lot to take in but it offers its own sort of accessibility and driving fire to those who are up to the challenge.
