Return of the Snow Giant

Overlorde's "Return of the Snow Giant" is a testament to heavy metal that proves patience, persistence and perseverance are the underlying factors that help any band survive the the test of time... Overlorde originally formed back in 1985. Most of their music can be found on EP's, demos and metal compilations. They have never released a full length album until now. The material on "Return of the Snow Giant" consists of songs that were mostly written back in the 80's, (some of which were originally released on EP, demo or metal compilations), but re-recorded for today with better production and more dynamic vocals. Two of the songs, including "Snow Giant", were originally released on the 1987 EP. Four other songs, ("Blackness", "Hell Hath No Fury", "Ogre Wizard" and "Metallic Madness"), were originally included on the "Overlorde 2000" demo. "And The Battle Begins..." was written during the recording session and the remaining six songs were written in the 80’s but never released. Overlorde produced the CD along with co-production by Eric Kvortek of Trax East. The artwork was done by a fantasy and comic artist from Greece named Giza Di. Bands such as Black Sabbath, Rush, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest are cited as being the forefront influences in Overlorde's music, which is straight forward classic 80's US heavy metal. Every song on "Return of the Snow Giant" kicks ass! Mark "M.E." Edwards is the only rhythm/lead guitar player in the band. I believe this arrangement gives Overlorde an equal attack of bass, drums, guitar and vocals, where two guitars might overshadow the other musical performances. His guitar sound is somewhat compressed and I feel it could have been brought up in the mix just a bit. His power chords are catchy and some of his riffing and lead work is explosive! Bobby Lucas (ex-Seven Witches) is a phenomenal vocalist. He has power that enables him to hit ranges that guys like Geoff Tate and Rob Halford are known for. He also sings with much clarity, aggressiveness and melody. Bassist John "Kong" Bunucci plays his bass lines like that of a Geezer Butler or Steve Harris, offering some of the most rhythmic and galloping bass patterns of recent memory. The same compliments can be said for drummer Dave Wrenn, who manages to create some very interesting and complicated drum patterns, bringing to mind styles like those created by such drummers as Neil Peart and Bill Ward. Tracks like "Snow Giant", "Overlorde" and "Hell Hath No Fury" dig deep into the roots of heavy metal's origins, recalling the finest moments of Black Sabbath and Maiden. This album could even be described as the meshing of these two godfathers of heavy metal. Think of Sabbath's groove and heaviness mixed with Iron Maiden's arrangements and thought patterns. Some European metal styles ala Helloween can be heard on the upbeat "Ogre Wizard". A song like "Starcastle" has a bit of a Candlemass vibe to it. More tributes to Black Sabbath can be found on "When He Comes" and "Trapped By Magic", both tracks having a doomy atmosphere yet up-tempo enough to make them groove. I must say that I was very surprised and excited that Overlorde finally released a full length album. Almost 20 years since their formation, "Return of the Snow Giant" is sure to please any fan of 80's era heavy metal. Let's hope that it doesn't take another 20 years for these guys to release another album! All hail Overlorde!