Gods Of War @ Rockreport (BE) 4.5/5.0

Reverence @ Rockreport (BE) 4.5/5.0

REVERENCE
Gods Of War
© 2015 Razar Ice Records
heavy metal
studio album
12 tracks – TT 55:22
release date: October 21, 2015
http://www.reverencemetal.com

Although I’m not a big fan of true metal, this American band succeeded in winning me over with their debut album “When Darkness Calls”, that was released in May 2012. Adding bass player Michael Massie, the five-piece band headed for a successful tour throughout Europe and America in 2013. Back home the guys immediately started writing songs for a sophomore album. Says guitarist & songwriter Bryan Holland (ex-Tokyo Blade): “With the success we had with our debut album, we knew we really had to deliver on our second effort and so we decided to take our time to ensure the songs were the very best we could come up.” Based on the strength of only four new songs, the band was able to secure a three album deal with the highly respected Japanese Avalon/Marquee label. A total of 23 songs were written by Holland/Rossi (music) and Todd Michael Hall (lyrics), of which the best 11 were included on “Gods Of War”. The guys have certainly grown as songwriters and as musicians. Just listen to tracks like the title song, “Tear Down The Mountain”, “Blood Of Heroes” and/or “Splinter” to hear what they have in store for us. It’s all quite heavy, but with more than enough attention for melody and variety, which I can only appreciate. A band to keep an eye on in the future to come … (CL)

banaan (on 7/11/15)

Gods of War is an amazing album that woudl perfectly fit in the 80s, only with a better production. Since the Riot V album I’m a fan of Todd Michael Hall’s voice (also bought the Jack Starr albums), so I’m going to look for the debut immediately!
m/

Metal Mark (on 30/10/15)

American metal done with precision and class, Reverence’s second effort is a bit more melodic and a bit less dark than the incredible debut from a few years back. Todd Michael Hall, who also fronts Riot V, has an incredible set of pipes and really puts the icing on the cake on “Gods of War.” This is pretty much a flawless affair, as every track bristles and shines with a stellar production. Standout tracks for me are Angel In Black, Cleansed By Fire, Splinter and the title song. Highly recommended for fans of early Savatage, Leatherwolf, Fifth Angel and a few other lassic 80s American metal bands. 4.5/5.0

http://www.rockreport.be/review.asp?id=4576