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[ More Music Reviews ]

Domination Black: Judgement IV

Heavy/Power Metal

4.0/5.0

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Pride & Joy Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 15.07.2020 | Released: 17.07.2020

It's been a rocky road for Finland's Domination Black. Formed 17 years ago, the band had some early success with two albums in 2003 and 2005. But personnel changes would plague the band. (Well, that's something new.) Six years would pass before Dimension: Death would arrive. While remaining active, Domination Black has been rather silent. Now, after eight years and on the strength of three advance singles, the sextet deliver their fourth album Judgement IV.

Domination Black

This is my first experience with Domination Black, perhaps yours too. The band plays, essentially, European melodic heavy power metal with some synth symphonic nuances. After this, the band features twin guitars for riff harmony and fiery solos, a strong rhythm section for gallop and groove, and keyboards for accent and embellishment. While singing generally clean and melodic, vocalist Matias Palm has a range that can go from raw to assertive to sometimes screamo. I found his voice to be an acquired taste and so favoring more the music.

So, speaking to the music, let's sample a few songs. For some basic fast and heavy power metal, listen for The Abyss, Empire Of Lunacy, Obsession, or The Endless Fall. That last song has some real brisk pacing, a wild guitar solo before the midpoint, and another strong guitar solo about three-quarters in. It might be my personal favorite of the litter. For that symphonic embellishment tune your ears to the heavy metal anthem Beyond The Shadows with a fine piano line or the power metal groove of Center Of The Universe. Listen below. In the end, Judgement IV appears to be a fine return to form for Domination Black, offering a generous album of melodic heavy power metal.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Judgement IV appears to be a fine return to form for Domination Black, offering a generous album of melodic heavy power metal.

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