Isn't it just a great feeling when you hear an album that hooks you straightaway? That's what transpired for myself once the songs on this shit hot new metal release Madness Of War from the Italian band Overmaster were unleashed. Overmaster was started by vocalist "Gus" Gustavo Adrian Gabarro in 2006, who was previously with Italian power metal band White Skull, and united with his talented band mates they have constructed a mighty selection of metallic music.
Madness Of War's concept "is to illustrate the horrors of war and its different faces through the centuries, from the Ancient Greece era ("Marble King", "Spartan Warriors", "Battle Prayer" and Efialths") to the modern Malvinas/Falklands war (" Nameless Hero") and the young suicide children in Middle East ("Children of the sand")". And with such a topic as to be expected the lyrics are quite confronting "Battleships from the sea open fire, Burning flesh, tremble the earth, Landscape soldiers waiting for cold sure death, Dying bodies creep in bloody sand".
Overmaster's catchy music blends harder power metal and thrash making this debut a real treat for metal fans. Orchestral music can be heard on "Walking Back To Hell" joined by the sounds of battles being fought throughout the ages, Overmaster introduce their metal with a bang as the guitars of "Marble King" shred away, this is a great prompt opener, as the band are sure to get heads banging with the heavy "Spartan Warriors" and the pounding sounds of "Overlord" which has a very inviting guitar solo. Overmaster then show their diversity with a catchy metal rocker called "Revolution World", and some inspiration can be heard at the start of the very ballsy "Jungle Of Madness" from the Helloween song "Halloween". The slower "Children Of The Sand" really impresses as does "Prophet Of War" which has multiple speed changes, the guitar on this track is a standout.
Overmaster's Madness Of War is an enjoyable first effort and a very recommended one.
Track list:
1. Walking Back to Hell
2. Marble King
3. Spartan Warriors
4. Overlord
5. Revolution World
6. Jungle of Madness
7. Nameless Hero
8. Children of the Sand
9. Battle Prayer
10. Prophet of War
11. Efialths