Skelator - Time Of The Sword Rulers

Here we have the re-release of “Swords” EP and “The Gore Of War” split by the U.S. based outfit, Skelator, plus two previously unreleased tracks on one CD, via Metal On Metal Records  under the general title “Time Of The Sword Rulers”
\r\nSkelator are coming from California and seems to be a band that can mix and perform very well their influences from bands such as Iron Maiden, Manowar and Helstar. I consider their musical style somewhere between the classic US speed / power of the 80’s with some elements from classic epic power metal. Even from the first track of this release they put you into the whole concept of their music, music that consists of sharp  -Straight in your face- riffs, huge amount of double bass drumming and high pitched soaring vocals. In this release also exists many and really good lead guitar melodies and a really great bass playing
\r\nVery positive fact are the vocals by  Jason Conde-Houston, that reminds me a mix of Morby (Sabotage, Domine) and in some parts of James Rivera (Helstar, Vicious Rumours, Distant Thunder). But for sure his main influence especially on the higher octaves is Eric Adams.
\r\nIn this specific album there are also tracks that reminds of other bands,as for instance “Heavy Metal Sacrifice” with the great bluesy part, that is a very interesting mix of Vemon and in general N.W.O.B.H.M. meeting early thrash metal and of course the unexpected bluesy cut.
\r\nAt last, the lyrical themes moves into the classic heave metal attitude,  with references to heavy metal itself, epic blood colored stories and some references to Tolkien.
\r\n
\r\nLampros “Witchfynder” Tennes
\r\n