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Headless Crown: Century Of Decay
Headless Crown - Century Of Decay CD Album Review

Headless Crown: Century Of Decay

Heavy/Power Metal
4.0/5.0

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Massacre Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 07.03.2018

We last heard from Swiss band Headless Crown with their 2015 debut album, Time For Revolution, a solid album of heavy power metal. For their second release, Century Of Decay, the band has taken a more ambitious approach by delivering a concept album. Written by vocalist Steff Perrone, the story is set in a dystopian near future, where "a nameless worker tries to spiritually escape his meaningless life through his dreams, with the goal to live in this painless world he created."

Headless Crown Band Photo

Headless Crown

Musically, this time around, Headless Crown seems to have taken a more assertive, even aggressive, and heavier approach to their heavy metal. The riffage seems more intense; the rhythm section more vigorous. But there's no loss of guitar harmony, essence of melody, or latent rock groove in the arrangements. Also, and as usual, guitarist Ced Legger rips up the fret board delivering equally vigorous and thrilling solos. Perrone can seem more assertive in his vocal presence, but that's likely due to him giving voice to the story's character. Call the overall musical sense of Century Of Decay more bold and forceful, yet still accessible.

As for the songs, across the album, most are simply fast and heavy power metal, peppered with riveting guitar solos. Good examples come with Century Of Decay, Grinder Of Souls, or The Manipulators Of Dreams. Something a bit different comes with Plan 9, which turns on more moderate pacing, a significant bass line, and under girding rock groove. The bass line is heard at the start of Listen and, with the drums, gives the song a solid groove. Outermind Travel starts with voice over lighter electric guitar before ripping into some power metal. For The Eyes Of The Crow, the drums start the song with an ambitious flurry before helping to set the groove in motion. All said, perhaps the best conclusion is the most simple one. If you liked the last Headless Crown album, you will probably enjoy the more ambitious and assertive Century Of Decay. Recommended.



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The Bottom Line

All said, perhaps the best conclusion is the most simple one. If you liked the last Headless Crown album, you will probably enjoy the more ambitious and assertive Century Of Decay. Recommended.

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