Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: SKULLWINX; signed via Metalizer Records, hailing from the glory of Germany - performing Epic Heavy Metal, on their 2^nd album entitled "The Relic". (Released September 24^th, 2016)

Since formation in 2012; the quintet in question have 2 EPs, and 1 album behind them, I'm introduced to their sophomore release - "The Relic". Epic Heavy Metal is the chosen sub-genre for SKULLWINX - do you consider Traditional Heavy Metal epic? Then EPIC Heavy Metal should entice you even more. With its speed-fuelled IRON MAIDEN-esquire instrumental influence; the band perform with an intricately designed distinction in their contributions to the genre, with graceful intentions to deliver a faster, stronger and more epic production in their already fast and furious harmonic melodies, that intertwined with simplistic galloping riffs. Full speed ahead with delicate mid-tempo paces, this generates an epic atmosphere of elegant proportions. Opening songs - "Siegfried", "Attila The Hun" & "A Tale Of Unity (Arminius)" provide the aforementioned effect profusely...while upholding exquisite musicianship with adapt flair.

While the instrumental leaps remains consistent; the vocals from Johannes Haller took -a little bit- of growing on me admittedly...however, they are complex and in rhythm and proficiently sung. High-pitched screams of blood that sound like a lot of power was conducted in the creation of this enraging production. "Carolus Magnut (Pater Europae)" had me pounding crushing blows with my fist as the musicianship pummels with heavier force; the powerhouse from Kilian Osenstätter on drums and Konstantin Kárpáty on bass, flourish with enlightening frenzied punches that has a unique aesthetic in this organically filled product of fulfilling efficiency and prominence. The dexterous duo Severin Stegar on rhythm & Lennart Hammerer on leads strife away on their guitars, formulating an unprecedented range of riffs - this substance balances an original formula of intent profuse luminance and a stimulating effectiveness in which should please all Metal maniacs.

Concluding "The Relic" with the final 3 tracks "Carved In Stone (Princes In The Tower)", "Tryst Of Destiny" & the lengthy exert "The Relic Of An Angel" (which is the longest song on the record at 10:35 long) overall compels me to say that SKULLWINX incredibly merit themselves with this one. While it was short; it was sweet, and was a heavy-hitter for sure...the troubling front man was the most uneasy to fully immerse myself in with the grandiose of the bombastic nature implemented for this type of elementary composure; I did appreciate it -in time- though however, yet I'm not sure it will please you as it took a little growing on. All in all, a finely crafted sound production with captivating songwriting that makes for a memorable yet original listen. If you're fans of MANOWAR, ROSS THE BOSS, & MAJESTY (or METALFORCE) this should be right up your alley; check it out via their Bandcamp.<