Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Never demolish or tear apart what others have spent a lifetime building, only they have the right to look upon their creation and deem it a construction not worthy of their time…all we have the right to do is either keep our council, or praise in such a way that is truthful, that is honest.
Critically such an approach does not nobody favours, least of all the intricacy of the artist who places their work before a crowd and requires feedback in order to grow, to respond in kind when the Muse rears their head once more and shows a shapely aptitude to an novel idea.
The fine line drawn between honour and truth is one that is one straining to be unleashed, the beast of reveal demands such insight from the fan, and for the observed veterans of the craft, that word is ever greater the belief of fury, and in one of the heaviest hitting albums of the year, Metal Construction VII by Greek legends Marauder, the truth of absolute conviction is a blessing for the ears who insist that the genre is a living beast, one capable of sheer drive and brimstone.
This is a declaration, a cacophony of proclamation to which the band soar with accuracy and passion, more than heartfelt, this is the sincere and the profound display of earnest music brought to the masses as if on a golden chariot, but humble enough to be walked beside as a protector, a guardian of the genre.
With the addition of Tassos Krokodilos to the laid out scene on vocals, the sense of hardship and fear that the band wish to show as a mine of inspiration, the anger that erupts because of the passions of the politically weak as they do their upmost to destroy the ambitions of the young in an age fuelled by the unnecessary actions of time, the honour of keeping hope alive falls upon their shoulders, and not only do they bare the responsibility well, they grow into it with fierce protection of their fans.
Across tracks such as Shout It Out, Under Her Spell, the superb Erase, The Iron Mask, The Holy Bible and The Son Of God, Andreas Tsaousis, George Sofronas, Tgodoris Paralis, Nick Samios, and Tassos Krokodilos see the line of damage inflicted by others and cross it, shoving the harm back into the posteriors of those to whom mercy and compassion is an alien concept.
A heavy-duty exercise in true grit and inspiration, a set of songs that are the wild beast let free to roam through the hearts of all seeking salvation; genuine pleasure assured.
Ian D. Hall