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Sacred Oath: Sacred Oath

Sacred Oath: Sacred Oath

Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Angel Thorne Music
www.sacredoath.net
www.myspace.com/sacredoath
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 05.10.2009

The history of American metal band Sacred Oath is one of legend: a band so good with so much potential that imploded into obscurity after one legendary release 'A Crystal Vision' in 1987. Fast forward to 2007, Rob Thorne (g,v) and Kenny Evans (d) issue the critically acclaimed comeback album 'Darkness Visible' with the original members. After 20 years you wonder if the vision remains.

Well, it does, and Sacred Oath has not skipped a beat: this is total classic metal for our generation. This self-titled album displays Sacred Oath at their finest with fundamental, working class, heavy metal delivered with clear passionate vocals, a steady and strong rhythm section, and stirring guitar solos. There's no flash-in-the-pan novelties here, and certainly no acquiescence to modern metal trends: no hardcore, metalcore, dirty vocals, blast beats, and such bullsh*t. This is the real deal.

From the opening chords of 'Paradise Lost' to the final sustain of 'Hunt For The Fallen Angel,' you are in for classic American heavy/power metal (which means their will be some traditional thrash elements as well). The brilliance of this work comes from the exceptional and varied arrangements and the fret work of youngster Bill Smith. On songs like 'Paradise Lost' or 'Blood Storm,' heavy metal meets power and thrash metal with complete and flawless execution. You can't beat the thrash influence on the former or the massive drumming on the latter.

Upseating conventions seems to be the standard on this work. 'Counting Zeros' goes well beyond traditional classifications of Sacred Oath as just another American power metal band. This is majestic melodic heavy metal with enough early Iron Maiden NWOBHM metal influences to inspire and throw off preconceptions. The bass work is incredible. The guitar solo has that unpretentious, but incredibly moving presence that reaffirms your love of heavy metal. Similar thoughts can be given to 'Caught In The Arc' which is totally compelling old school metal done with excellence and acumen: fast, furious, heavy and over-the-top with a brilliant guitar solo. It doesn't get much better than this.

Sacred Oath may have been good in 1987, but they are absolutely brilliant in 2009. Whatever you have heard, read or thought of this band, this is great melodic heavy metal within the classic tradition brought forward and made accessible for a new generation. Outstanding and highly recommended!

In Short

Sacred Oath may have been good in 1987, but they are absolutely brilliant in 2009. Whatever you have heard, read or thought of this band, this is great melodic heavy metal within the classic tradition brought forward and made accessible for a new generation. Outstanding and highly recommended!

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