Ashes of Ares: New Messiahs

From the opening moments of New Messiahs, it’s clear that Ashes of Ares have aimed for anthemic weight and atmosphere. Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, joined by drummer Kyle Taylor, have crafted an album that balances raw intensity with moments of striking melody, all while retaining a sound very much their own.

I’ll admit I usually lean toward more melodic metal, and this record often runs faster and more aggressive than what I typically gravitate to. But the level of musicianship here�"and especially the exquisite guitar work�"keeps me engaged from start to finish. The riffing is thick and heavy, the drumming relentless, and when those melodic touches appear, they bring out the album’s most memorable moments.

While I can’t compare directly to Iced Earth’s catalog, I do hear shades of early Metallica and even flashes of Pantera in the mix, though Ashes of Ares avoid sounding like anyone but themselves. Barlow’s vocal delivery is definitely an acquired taste, but I found it grew on me with repeated listens, sitting more comfortably within the dense arrangements each time through.

Highlights for me include "Two Graves", a commanding track that sets the tone, and "Where You Go", which has an immediacy and catchiness that sticks. "Atrophy" brings pure fury, while "Keep On Walkin’ " offers a heartfelt, fatherhood-inspired reflection that stands among the album’s most powerful songs. "The Hawk and The Dove" slows things into a darker, doom-laden atmosphere, and the closer "From Hell He Rides" delivers an epic and fitting finale.

In the end, New Messiahs is an outstanding mix of power and speed metal, filled with sludgy riffs, pounding drums, eerie yet catchy melodies, and well-crafted songs. Even when it steps outside my usual comfort zone, it’s hard not to admire the conviction and skill behind it. Ashes of Ares have created something bold, heavy, and memorable… cheers!

Track Listing:
1. Novus Ordo (2:09)
2. New Messiahs (5:31)
3. Two Graves (4:17)
4. Where You Go (6:44)
5. Wake Of Vultures (4:17)
6. Atrophy (4:40)
7. Keep On Walkin' (6:08)
8. The Hawk And The Dove (5:17)
9. Lust To Feed (4:53)
10. From Hell He Rides (4:26)

Added: September 14th 2025
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 100
Language: english

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