For those who still don't understand the matter: a musician can like and play many musical genres. And to be honest, this is the main driving force between the evolution of Metal, so you better understand and accept this fact once and for all, or you'll leave the Metal scene one day. These words were written to explain the reason why a musician as Eric Petersen (guitarist and one of the masterminds of Thrash Metal titans of TESTAMENT) has a side project, DRAGONLORD. And they're releasing a new album, "Dominion".

No, it's not a Thrash Metal band, but a Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal in the same vein of bands like DIMMU BORGIR and old COVENANT. It's focused on an aggressive and technical form of playing, filled with excellent orchestrations from keyboards and a great work from bass guitar and drums. Obviously, the guitars are amazing (even with solos, a rare feature on Black Metal), and the vocals incredible (using those contrasts between high pitched voices with some low guttural grunts). But there is that melodic touch that is a feature from USA Metal scene that is felt throughout the whole album, so be prepared to be amazed, and to become a fan of the band as well.

Eric joined forces with Juan Urteaga to produce the album (Juan is a known producer for his works with names as CATTLE DECAPITATION, EXHUMED, EXODUS, HATRIOT, LÄÄZ ROCKIT, MACHINE HEAD, SADUS, TESTAMENT, VICIOUS RUMORS, and many others), and Jens Bogren worked on the mastering as well. All to create a perfect sound quality that is clean, harsh and brutal, balancing musical weight, aggressiveness and melodies, and the instrumental tunes are excellent as well. And on the cover, a fine work of Eliran Kantor. And two special guests: Tilen Hudrap (who plays on PESTILENCE, U.D.O. and PARADOX) on bass guitar on "Discord of Melkor", and Leah McHenry   on the female voices.

Musically, DRAGONLORD is amazing, one of the finest albums of this year. And "Dominion" (a technical and aggressive song, filled with charming melodies on the keyboards and great guitars), "Ominous Premonition" (climatic, where the keyboards are amazing, but bass guitar and drums are incredible), "Lamia" (this song is more melodic, with a touch of Thrash Metal in some parts, with wonderful melodies and very good vocals), "Love of the Damned" (another melodic piece with influences from Thrash Metal, and amazing clean vocals), and... Well, it's not an album with best songs, because it's amazing in every moment. The only complaint left: we could have more songs, because it's an addiction since you hear it!

Sorry to say, but DRAGONLORD released one of the best 10 albums of this year. Listen to "Dominion" and you'll understand.