Reverence
Gods Of War

March 2016
Released: 2015, Razar Ice
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: JP

Back in early 2013 I wrote a review of the 2012 debut album by Reverence. I hinted that I was not convinced that the band, while technically superb and extremely enjoyable, would last as an all-star project of veteran guys in a diminishing market. I’m SO glad they proved me wrong! Setting aside my (over?) analysis of the industry, the simple fan in me is so pleased that they have made a second album called GODS OF WAR.



Still settled on the Razar Ice label, the band had one line-up change with the addition of Michael Massie on bass. With no major change in the song-writing or performers, the bands sound is fully intact and back for a second attack. Reverence pick up where they left off with another batch of classic, true American Metal songs. No sophomore slump! The album kicks off with some nice military/war/bullet sound effects leading us into the title track. The song employs a neat style for the chorus, it is more of low chant by the backing vocals rather than a soaring high lead vocal which gives the song a bit of an ominous tone. The Next track and for the rest of the album, the style is more conventional with Todd Michael Hall’s expressive powerful voice leading the vocal charge.



I’m glad Hall decided to stay with Reverence and do double duty in Riot, his presence is a real asset for Reverence. The album rides along forcefully, not always full-out speed but largely fast. One of the exceptions is the cut ‘Blood Of Heroes which is more of a mid-tempo grinder of a tune with superb lyrics about how the average bitch, whine and complain too much when it is the sacrifices of the heroes of the American military that make everyone’s cushy lifestyle all possible. It is a patriotic sentiment that could apply to any nation and in fact there is a very small sample of former British Prime Minster, Winston Churchill’s voice, a segment taken from one of his most famous speeches. The album boats excellent production, really good crunchy guitar tone and fat riffs all over place.



As I said earlier in this review I’m so glad these guys continued on and GODS OF WAR can stand shoulder to shoulder with any number of veterans of the American Metal scene including Jag Panzer, Vicious Rumors, Helstar, Riot and bands of that caliber. I just wished they hadn't chosen the same album title as the massive Manowar album. That's like calling your album, MASTER OF PUPPETS or BARK AT THE MOON you just don't do it. There are certain bands that are so big that once they use an album title, your band shouldn't. That album name is taken off the table, much like retiring a hockey players jersey. Next album title will be better!