Overlorde - Return of the Snow Giant
Sonic Age - SARECD003 - 17/12/04
By Patrick Walsh
Unbelievably, Overlorde have been knocking about since no less than 1985, and yet this is their first release proper aside from a self-released and self-titled EP in 1987. They disbanded in '88 and for some reason decided to get back together in 2000, apparently due to 'general fan interest', whatever that means. Unsurprisingly, Overlorde play power metal of the ye olde variety, influenced by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest rather than your Helloweens and Stratovarius'. What is on offer with Return of the Snow Giant is a plethora of classic sounding heavy metal tunes, the usual questionable lyrics and one too many references to cliched mythological beasts. Business as usual then.
Overlorde, to be fair, know how to belt out a riotously good heavy metal tune. 'Snow Giant' gallops along nicely, although it quickly becomes clear that the production on this release is below par in places. Commendably the band have gone for an altogether rawer sound than many of their sugary polished contemporaries, but at times it feels as though the guitars could be a little higher in the mix to make those choruses standout a little more. Overlorde show no shame in tackling the most dubious lyrical subject manner this side of Manowar, check these songtitles out for instance; 'Snow Giant', 'Starcastle, 'Ogre Wizard', 'Colossus (Island of the Cyclops). Still, fans of this genre know what to expect and some will probably even revel in it. Clocking in at over an hour, Return of the Snow Giant tends to overstay its welcome a bit, and contains some humdrum fillers, but those of a leather-clad nature would do well to investigate this nonetheless.
Vocalist Bobby 'Leather Lungs' Lucas is competent and hits those all important high notes well, although he does sound a little jaded at times. His screeching of the words 'Star Castle' in the aforementioned song of the same name will no doubt result in a bit of cringing, as will other parts of this album, but Return of the Snow Giant is an enjoyable listen overall. 'When He Comes' even features the band slowing things down a few notches to good effect before going into a mid-pace gallop, with the whole thing smacking of old Black Sabbath being covered by Judas Priest or something, which turns out quite interesting. Meanwhile 'Blackness' is a winner simply because its opening bars consist of a uncharacteristicaly funky bassline. With super-cool cover art to boot, Overlorde have managed to create a trad-metal album of consistent quality that is unlikely to change the world but will come as a pleasant surprise to those hankering for the days when songs about Ogres were the height of sophistication, if such a time ever existed.
7.5/10
Overlorde's Official Website
Sonic Age Records' Official Website
Sonic Age - SARECD003 - 17/12/04
By Patrick Walsh
Unbelievably, Overlorde have been knocking about since no less than 1985, and yet this is their first release proper aside from a self-released and self-titled EP in 1987. They disbanded in '88 and for some reason decided to get back together in 2000, apparently due to 'general fan interest', whatever that means. Unsurprisingly, Overlorde play power metal of the ye olde variety, influenced by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest rather than your Helloweens and Stratovarius'. What is on offer with Return of the Snow Giant is a plethora of classic sounding heavy metal tunes, the usual questionable lyrics and one too many references to cliched mythological beasts. Business as usual then.
Overlorde, to be fair, know how to belt out a riotously good heavy metal tune. 'Snow Giant' gallops along nicely, although it quickly becomes clear that the production on this release is below par in places. Commendably the band have gone for an altogether rawer sound than many of their sugary polished contemporaries, but at times it feels as though the guitars could be a little higher in the mix to make those choruses standout a little more. Overlorde show no shame in tackling the most dubious lyrical subject manner this side of Manowar, check these songtitles out for instance; 'Snow Giant', 'Starcastle, 'Ogre Wizard', 'Colossus (Island of the Cyclops). Still, fans of this genre know what to expect and some will probably even revel in it. Clocking in at over an hour, Return of the Snow Giant tends to overstay its welcome a bit, and contains some humdrum fillers, but those of a leather-clad nature would do well to investigate this nonetheless.
Vocalist Bobby 'Leather Lungs' Lucas is competent and hits those all important high notes well, although he does sound a little jaded at times. His screeching of the words 'Star Castle' in the aforementioned song of the same name will no doubt result in a bit of cringing, as will other parts of this album, but Return of the Snow Giant is an enjoyable listen overall. 'When He Comes' even features the band slowing things down a few notches to good effect before going into a mid-pace gallop, with the whole thing smacking of old Black Sabbath being covered by Judas Priest or something, which turns out quite interesting. Meanwhile 'Blackness' is a winner simply because its opening bars consist of a uncharacteristicaly funky bassline. With super-cool cover art to boot, Overlorde have managed to create a trad-metal album of consistent quality that is unlikely to change the world but will come as a pleasant surprise to those hankering for the days when songs about Ogres were the height of sophistication, if such a time ever existed.
7.5/10
Overlorde's Official Website
Sonic Age Records' Official Website
