Year: 2021
Total Time: 52:09
Label: Symmetric Records
Two years have passed since the debut album of WARRIOR PATH, which created promises for an interesting career for this newly formed Heavy / Power Metal band. Continuing their journey, the band’s mainman and lead composer Andreas Sinanoglou and musician / producer Bob Katsionis (ex FIREWIND/ OUTLOUD/ SERIOUS BLACK) together with drummer Dave Rundle, return with another epic story, the story of “The Mad King”. In their line-up, the only change is noticed with the Swede, Daniel Heiman (LOST HORIZON) taking the microphone from Giannis Papadopoulos (BEAST IN BLACK).
Musically the band seems to have evolved considerably, leaving the obvious influences and forging its own sound. The excessive number of ballads in the debut gives way to more dynamic songs, the classic double harmonies in the style of IRON MAIDEN become epic power metal riffs, while the production itself is “warmer” and even stronger and more intense than that of their debut. However, influences range from RIOT, HEAVEN’S GATE to CRIMSON GLORY and early QUEENSRYCHE.
“The Mad King” was recorded during the first lockdown for the global pandemic at the Sound Symmetry Studio of Bob Katsionis in Athens, while the analog mastering was done once again by Nasos Nomikos at VU Productions in Piraeus. For the cover, the band once again collaborated with Bulgarian artist Dimitar Nikolov, who brought to life a scene from the palace of “Mad King”, as mentioned in the title of the album.
The album consists of ten songs, with the first being instrumental and an introduction to the atmosphere of the album. Several tracks stand out, showcasing the maturity in the compositions mentioned above, with special reference to “His Wrath Will Fall”, the seven-minute “Don’t Fear the Unknown” and “Neverending Fight”, as well as the eponymous “The Mad King”.
A beautiful second step from WARRIOR PATH, who now by following their own path and showing their own personality, create even more promises than those of their debut, which we expect them to embrace and realise in the near future.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: WARRIOR PATH – Bandcamp Page
