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THE ARCHIVES
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Morrigan's Pit has closed down as of November 2006. The site and its articles will stay online as an archive until September at least, but probably longer.
The Archives
2002-2006
» CD REVIEWS
» INTERVIEWS
» LIVE REVIEWS
» SPECIALS
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BATTLEROAR
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Age Of Chaos
2005
Black Lotus Records
http://www.battleroar.com
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1. The Wanderer
2. Vampire Killer
3. Siegecraft
4. Tower Of The Elephant
5. Deep Buried Faith
6. Dyvim Tvar
7. Sword Of Crom
8. Narsil (Reforge The Sword)
9. Calm Before The Storm
10. Dreams On Steel
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The Greeks with the Italian singer are back with their 2nd CD "Age Of Chaos". Besides some soundfiles I once heard, I'm not too familiar with the first, so I can't really compare. I have however been familiar with (and a fan of) Marco Concoreggi's voice for many years and I know he joined the right band. It's exactly the type of music he has always worshipped, epic true metal - you know, bands like Omen, Cirith Ungol, Manilla Road or Jag Panzer (actually, although Marco's voice is darker, we used to call him The Tyrant II ;)) - and some dreams have already been realized, like playing with Jag Panzer or performing at the Keep It True and Headbangers Open Air festivals.
Battleroar was formed in 2000 and after a line-up change where Marco and bassist Kostas Makrikostas joined the band, they released their first full length CD in 2003 ("Battleroar"). In 2004 they were signed by Black Lotus Records and so now #2, "Age Of Chaos" sees the light of day. Epic metal like their heroes, but they have already become heroes to many themselves. The songs are diverse and rich in detail, often epic, dragging, sometimes there are faster parts, or acoustic parts (even unusual but beautiful acoustic opening and closing songs). Carried by Marco's wonderful voice as the true warrior himself, awesome guitar riffs and leads by Kostas Tzortzis and Manolis Karazeris and a good rhythm section by Kostas Makrikostas and Nick Papadopoulos. There are also a few impressive guest appearances: Manilla Road's guitarist and main man Mark Shelton and ex-Helloween's drummer Mark Cross add their talents on some songs (Mark also produced the drums), all the great keyboard parts (many cool intros/outros and other pieces with a dark atmosphere) have been handled by Bob Katsionis (Firewind, Nightfall) and Alex Papadiamantis delivers some great violin parts.
The CD opens very cool with "The Wanderer", an acoustic song (just like the closing song "Dreams On Steel"!) with Mark Shelton on vocals and is followed by the fairly fast "Vampire Killer'. Then the epicness really sets in with "Siegecraft" (battle sounds, great harmonies in the chorus), the 7 minute song "Tower Of The Elephant", "Deep Buried Faith", "Dyvim Tvar" (dark intro, impressive 9 minute song featuring all aspects of the band), "Sword Of Crom" (awesome Trespass like riff!) and "Narsil (Reforge The Sword)". "Calm Before The Storm" is truly that: it starts a bit slow and introvert (the chorus is faster though), but unfolds into a beauty (featuring Mark Shelton) halfway into the song because of the beautiful, sensitive guitar solo and impressive dark keys, before entering the last, fast instrumental part. To catch your breath again, the album closes, as said before, with another acoustic: "Dreams On Steel".
For my own taste, the less-is-more type of production could be a bit better here and there (except the drums, great work by Mark Cross), but it does serve the 80s feel of the music (which was probably the purpose anyway). This album is without doubt a must for all fans of epic metal!!
submitted by Marlies 16.01.2006
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rating 1 - 5 Morrigans
5 = awesome, 4 = good, 3 = average, 2 = keep practising, 1 = sell your gear!
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