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WAR OF THRONES
Conflict In Creation
2018 Sonic Night Music

WAR OF THRONES is a Tampa, Florida-based melodic power metal band. Their debut album, Conflict In Creation, is available now. WAR OF THRONES formed in 2012, initiating the alliance of four like-minded musicians who wanted to make true heavy metal music. They have spent the past several years carefully crafting this debut album.

Wade Black is well known for his blistering lead vocals for bands like SEVEN WITCHES, LEATHERWOLF, and Florida’s own legendary CRIMSON GLORY. Guitarist Rick Renstrom is revered for his neoclassical style and shredding capabilities, performing alongside luminaries such as Rob Rock, Richard Christy, Mistheria and Wade Black. Renstrom, Black and Christy have collaborated in the past in the band LEASH LAW. Bassist Richard Marks is known for being a part of numerous Tampa area bands, as well as his work on the Vivaldi Metal Project, an all-star album brimming with world-class talent. Drummer Patrick Johansson’s powerhouse drumming has been the backbone for W.A.S.P., YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, GUS G, SABATON, and several Florida bands.

Conflict In Creation begins with a track that builds up like a bundle of nerves called “Ascending”. Highlighted by Black’s operatic vocals and Marks’ bass, the fury boils over on the next track, “Creation”, featuring a crunchy riff from Renstrom, and a tale of evil’s birth from Black. “Savior” tells of a world lost without redemption. It opens with a theme riff from Renstrom, and evolves into one of the strongest tracks on the album. I really like this song. That brings us to the JUDAS PRIEST-influenced “Entranced”, an out-of-body tale of life after death. “Damnation” is a standout track with a really catchy riff and haunting melody. The chorus is eerie enough, but once the song kicks in at the 1:20 mark, it reaches another level.

Centerpiece “Aftermath” is one of my favorites here. This lesson in destruction begins with a short intro before blasting forth with an annihilating riff and lead from Renstrom. Johansson lays down a precision double-bass punishment, while Marks devastates on bass. Watch the video on KNAC.COM HERE. Wade Black is off the rails on this track. “Say What” tackles relationship issues and continues with the double bass drums and flowing bass lines. Marks even has a short bass solo in this song. “Kingdom” is a headbanging track with a catchy chorus. This sets up the final punch of three incredible tracks: “Rule The World”, “Reaction” and “Channeling Demons”. Check out Marks’ bass work on these three songs! I’m digging the gallop and Black’s trademark howl on “Reaction”. The driving tempo of “Channeling Demons” puts a smile on my face. The whole band’s passion is evident on these aggressive tracks. Appropriately, the album closes with “Descending”, an epic mid-tempo track that puts a bookend on the whole album. The lyrics definitely speak of a darker place!

Conflict In Creation is one of those albums that keeps getting better as you get into it; each track seems better than the last. It is among the best work I have heard from these musicians. The production and mix of this album is simply awesome; kudos to James Fox and Maor Appelbaum for their work here. I’ve listened to it at maximum volume in my car, and on headphones, and it sounds phenomenal both ways. This album is fine-tuned for maximum enjoyment. The cover art, by Dagmara Gaska and Tobias Roetsch, adds to the overall quality of this release. At 55 minutes, it is a worthwhile purchase. Do yourself a favor and check this band out!

5.0 Out Of 5.0