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Metal/Prog Metal CD Reviews

Ty Morn

Last Villain Testament

Review by Gary Hill

This album has a great classic metal sound. It has s lot of symphonic and epic metal in the mix. There are some particularly strong songs here, but also nothing that seems weak at all. It veers close to getting a little monolithic, but still holds up well. I think part of that comes from the fact that they kept it fairly short. If they'd put a few more songs on here, the formula would likely have worn a bit thin.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022  Volume 6. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.

Track by Track Review
War of Nations
The sounds of war are heard as the album starts. The cut drives in from there with a fast-paced rhythmically-oriented movement serving as the backdrop for the first vocals. This has a bit of a Manowar vibe, but also some real epic metal sound at play. There are some technical symphonic metal moments further down the road, too.
Hellastryke
This is meaty and potent. It's less fierce, but also more symphonic and epic in nature. This has a number of twists and turns. The powerhouse instrumental movement gets pretty crazed at times. Chorale vocals in the mix at points lend some real majesty.
Eyes of the Many Gods
Firing in fierce, this works out to more of a proggy vein for the entrance of the vocals. The cut is still decidedly metal and dramatic, though. This is epic in nature and quite dynamic.
Wherever Demons Roam
Coming in with a screaming hot symphonic metal arrangement, this song is so classy. In fact, I'd say that it's one of my favorites here. There is so much magic and drama built into it. They take this through a number of changes, but it never loses the exceptional qualities.
Come Feed Us Night
Coming in with frantic, neo-classical styled jamming, this is a powerhouse. It's another highlight of the set. It has so much magic to it.
Firenado
Screaming furious metal is on the menu here. This is another meaty, driving piece. There are some sections of this that stand as tall as anything on the album. It does have a lot of drama, but as a whole I don't think it's quite as strong as the previous two songs. That said there are some neo-classical elements on the guitar solo that really elevate it.
Compliments of the Wolf
On the one hand, much of this feels a bit samey by this point. Then again, there is a dropped back section that really is quite proggy. There is enough meat on the bones here beyond that to help it stand tall. 
The One
Coming in with hard rocking, but melodic guitar work, this works through the symphonic metal introduction. Then it turns more furious. Still, this is quite melodic and intricate. It's another standout track.
Lifting the Curse
This is meaty and fierce. There are some particularly effective riffs here, and the whole song just rocks like crazy.
Warlock
Another fierce metal screamer serves as the closer. This has some of the heaviest and crunchiest sounds of the album. Still, there are technical and symphonic metal elements at play. This is another highlight.
 
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