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Overmaster: Madness of War
Overmaster Madness of War new music review

Overmaster: Madness of War

Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Cruz Del Sur Records
www.myspace.com/overmasterband
www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  04.18.2010

An Italian band playing epic power metal? No, you must be kidding. That's like an Italian being in the construction business in New York City. It's pretty much a given. Overmaster's Madness of War is confidently melodic power metal. As much as I have warm place in my heart for this much maligned genre, my first question is, Can you do it right? The second is, Are you bringing anything new to the table? Or, as I listen, will I simply be tripping over Helloween, GammaRay, Blind Guardian and a host of other peers from past to present?

To the first, Overmaster delivers traditional and true power metal echoing and invoking the greats. The war stories on Madness of War gallop along with forceful precision. The arrangements are wrapped in an epic score with true metal vocals, from the smooth stone to gravel tones, of Gus Gabarro, enough keyboards for color, and simply brilliant guitar work from Pino Sicari. To the latter, Overlord and Spartan Warriors have some soaring fret pyrotechnics. Yes, Overmaster gets it done right.

To the second question, I will not venture to say there is something novel to Madness of War. Nevertheless, what Overmaster does bring to the table is massive energy and inspiration. Power metal bands are a dime a dozen, and most think all you need is double bass drums and a fast pace to get started. Overmaster puts the 'power' back into this heavy metal style by kicking it in the ass with balls out raw energy, sometimes doing it by adding old school thrash. Certainly, there is some derivative, yet very good, power metal on songs like Marble King and Prophet of War. However, Overlord, Jungle of Madness, Nameless Hero, and hugely melodic Revolution World show true inspiration.

If you're a connoisseur of power metal, or need some fresh attitude and inspiration in the genre, then you should jump on Overmaster's Madness of War. This traditional and true power metal with epic enthusiasm and boundless energy. Very recommended!

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In Short

If you're a connoisseur of power metal, or need some fresh attitude and inspiration in the genre, then you should jump on Overmaster's Madness of War. This is traditional and true power metal with epic enthusiasm and boundless energy.

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