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Sacred Blood: Argonautica

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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Pitch Black Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 26.03.2015

Every three or four years Greek band Sacred Blood returns to tell another tale from Hellenistic history and mythology. With Argonautica, the story is about the fabled Argonauts of Greek mythology who sailed the seas in the Argo, mostly known for traveling with Jason in search of the golden fleece.

Sacred Blood

Also, as in the past, Sacred Blood tells their tales in an epic style, blending melodic power metal with symphonic and folk elements. Within their arrangements are strong clean vocals, powerful riffs, and an abundance of soaring leads. Some of the more heavier power metal tunes come with Friend Or Foe and Enchantress of the East. While there's notable symphonic synth layer, it's the thick riffage and tempo that drives the songs. Mostly swift, the band can moderate the pace within each.

Those folk elements arrive early on in Call of Blood before the more traditional melodic heavy metal takes hold. Later in the song you're treated to fine melodic guitar solo. You get a greater taste of the Hellenic folk feeling with O’er the Tomb (Beyond the Pillars of Heracles) which features acoustic guitar, additional female vocals, and what could be uilleann pipes. If you were wondering, Sacred Blood gets to the story of the golden fleece in two parts, two songs that finish the album. Part 1 offers more of the folk and metal mixture; Part 2 more melodic metal to start, the folk and symphonic part closing the song. Curiously, the vocals are sparse, more choir with less tale-telling.

Over the course of three albums, Sacred Blood's songwriting, musicianship, and storytelling has continued to improve and impress. Argonautica is another fine and entertaining album from the band. Recommended.

Sacred Blood - Call Of Blood

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Over the course of three albums, Sacred Blood's songwriting, musicianship, and storytelling has continued to improve and impress. Argonautica is another fine and entertaining album from the band. Recommended.

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eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]