Pagan-themed Metal from Brazil? Why, yes! Don't mind if I do at all. ARMORED DAWN return with a second full-length release entitled "Barbarians In Black" that delivers the goods with its super high-end production, tricky guitars, vocals reminiscent of Jean-Luc de Meyer of Industrial mega-band FRONT 242, and slamming groove beats that drive it all home. This record has a little bit of everything, as far as Metal is concerned, and accentuates the Viking warrior theme quite nicely as it poises itself to take over the world.

"Beware Of The Dragon", the album's opener, goes for the gusto all at once as it pours on the intensity right out of the gates. The low, strangely soothing vocal style of singer Eduardo Parras proves very effective, indeed, giving the listener something decidedly different to chew on as compared to the offerings of bands similar to ARMORED DAWN in ages past. That, alongside the slamming, rich sound that the rest of the band provides, makes this particular album an instant attention grabber. When an opening track is this strong, it's hard to forego the rest of the album before hearing what comes next.

The album progresses, its next offering, a song called "Bloodstone", a catchy tome about a group of warriors setting off to battle. "Men Of Odin", track three, definitely has that Pagan Heavy Metal appeal, and shows that ARMORED DAWN has no fear of genre restriction as they mix many different elements and styles to create a ballad of sorts about the barbarians of old. There are many layers applied at once here, and the full sound which results is actually pretty stunning. The band does a really nice job of blending many sounds into one nice, flowing continuum of musical prowess.

The meat of "Barbarians In Black" does not disappoint, rife with tempo changes, memorable choruses, smashing rhythm sections, and howling lead guitars that tower above the chaos like the spires of a mighty castle atop the highest cliff side. Songs like "Chance To Live Again" and "Eyes Behind The Crow" absolutely teeming with the rush of hand-to-hand and sword-to-sword combat, ARMORED DAWN rages on until the end, taking no prisoners along the way.

As "Barbarians In Black" pulls to shore with its final and title track, it leaves one feeling both satiated in their thirst for Metal, and like they just returned to their homeland and families after a long and treacherous war overseas. If this album is any indication of things to come from ARMORED DAWN, then I'm in it for the long haul. Every song is a brief story which allows one to escape into another time when ancient people first traveled the oceans wide on their voyages of discovery and conquest, and they all convey the determined power of said people expertly through the use of Heavy Metal music. I highly recommend this record to those who appreciate both any and all aspects of Metal as a whole. This one was a great listen!