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Victorius: Heart Of The Phoenix

Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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Massacre Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.01.2017

Wolfen metal band Victorius arrives with their fourth album, Heart Of The Phoenix, making the move from a smaller independent label to the larger German label Massacre records. I guess you could say they're moving up the heavy metal food chain.

Victorius

How does that quaint saying go? "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck." That basically describes the power metal genre. You know it the instant you hear it. Heart Of The Phoenix is classic and derivative European melodic power metal with all the essential elements. Count them off: clean and melodic lead and choral vocals, twin guitar harmony, blazing solos, and a galloping rhythm section to keep the pace racing. Through in the typical lyrical themes of sword and sorcery, mythic fantasy, hero quests, and ancient battles and you have Victorius' power metal. They don't need to reinvent the wheel, just keep it spinning. If you like any of that description or simply like the band, this album will not disappoint you in the least.

Some mention of a few songs is required. The first is Sons Of Orion which has a layer of bright and shiny keyboard. The result is more symphonic metal with a significant rock groove. The second, A Million Lightyears, is similar with it's symphonic layer, but offers a moderate and includes what surely sounds like a female singer in duet with David Bassin. Otherwise, songs like Hammer Of Justice and Shadowwarriors, by example, are simply speedy power metal, from front to back.

So the conclusion is also simple: if you like classic and derivative European melodic power metal, then Victorius' Heart Of The Phoenix is the real deal. Recommended if you love the genre and or you're a fan of the band.

Victorius - Empire Of The Dragonking Lyric Video

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If you like classic and derivative European melodic power metal, then Victorius' Heart Of The Phoenix is the real deal. Recommended if you love the genre and or you're a fan of the band.

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