The only way left for Old School Metal acts to make things different from what was already done in the past is to try something different for its music, and not to be crucified at ideas as ‘it-must-be-in-this-way’. Many acts can lose track if they are trying to satisfy anything and anyone that isn’t themselves. And the Greek quartet BLACK SWORD THUNDER ATTACK shows a very good work on “Black Sword Thunder Attack” - the band’s first full-length - but they must evolve a bit more some conceptions. The main idea is that the quartet works on a form of traditional Heavy Metal from NWOBHM with Hard Rock elements that evolved into Epic Metal.

It means that the quartet draws influences from acts as MANOWAR, VIRGIN STEELE, IRON MAIDEN and others, what means that it’s heavy and full of energy, with excellent melodies and charming choruses, strong instrumental work (with good keyboards parts improving the epic ambiences), with some great clean moments (pay attention to them during “On the Way of Acheron”). Again: the band can evolve its musical efforts, but they’re on the right path. The only problem of the quartet lies on the sonority. It sounds too attached (crucified?) to Old School Metal models of the past, trying to look for something organic and simple that make the album’s understanding hard sometimes. An important tip: it’s not a sin to think of having a modern sonority, but keeping things classic, as many Old Metal acts do today (ENFORCER, SKULLFIST, CAULDRON and others had great success in such ways).

On the songs - as said above - the quartet did a great work and shows honesty and inspiration on “The Black Sword”, “Don’t Hear the Sirens”, “On the Way of Acheron”, “Evil Sorcery”, “Through the Fires of Hell”, “Anvils of War”, “Last Flight of the Eagle”, “Master of Hell”, “Song in the Night” and “Gates of Fire”, and it’s really surprising to reach such level of quality on their first full-length (they just have an EP released before the album, “March of the Damned”, released on 2025). Evolving things just a bit more and they’re will conquer the world.

Adjusting the sonority on the next time, and sharping its musical efforts, and no one will hold back BLACK SWORD THUNDER ATTACK. For now, know their work on “Black Sword Thunder Attack” and become a fan.