Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: CUSTARD; signed via Pure Steel Records, hailing from the glory of Germany - performing Power Metal, on their 7th Full-length album entitled: "Imperium Rapax" (released 3rd of December, 2021). Since formation in 1987; the quintet in question have an EP, a Single and 7 Full-length albums in their discography so far - I am introduced to their 7th album entitled: "Imperium Rapax". 14 tracks ranging at around 51:30, CUSTARD arrange an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Power Metal developments.

Opening up with this victorious but glorious instrumental within the orchestral titular track, this spoken-word ritual banishes into "Children Of The Wolf" that starts off the record with trailblazing clamor and rollicking melody. Where vibrantly potent synergy rumbles with reverberating punchiness, slaying with groovy hooks and blistering harmony - chiming a gravitational euphony from Marinos Tokas who unearths an enriching component in orchestral marvel while backing cords from Athanasios Karapanos mellifluously roars with chorus fueled choirs in between every song. This organic panache distills a few interludes with "In Umbra Aquilae", "Gloria Aegypti" & "Cornua Mortis" to get those out of the way... "Res Publica" continues to march with charging bulldozing, belting a chugging array of instrumental meatiness while slaying with riveting yet sulfurous & volatile remedy.

Consisting of Olver Strasser on vocals; the front man excels at a surge of tight throatiness that soar with uproarious pipes of high-pitched calamity, a blistering conundrum manifests with rich maelstrom vehemence within "Blessed By Baal". Where sturdy thuds tremble speakers with jumpy but boisterously bouncy aesthetics, as a hybrid experimentation flourishes with wildly rushing sharpness amongst a sonically seamless piercing that thunders with technical precision. Persevering with unique versatility, these striking pursuits revel with solid slabs of riveting substance & frolicking firepower expertise, as catchy crunchiness creates a dexterously dynamic virtuosity through quintessential twinning maelstrom guitarists Carsten „Oscar" Reichart & Stefan Absorber. Both showcase this rapidly swift nimbleness within a borderline foundation of ripping fundamentals in flexible dexterity and dynamic distinction, especially in "Blood And Sand".

A grinding boundary impactfully lacerates with killer and distinguished immensity; surging with momentous rompiness, rampant symphony & majestic steeliness... where "The First Empore" mountainously thumps out rambunctious yet piledriving precision from hammering drummer Chris Klapper & audibly infectious bassist Markus Berghammer, both stomp out venomously pummeling quaver that steamroll with prodigious cracks and galloping density, where this righteous sublimity on tremoring tenor while this imperial collective sweeps with republic royalty among a hefty dimension on profusely robust zeal that's most rocking yet mesmerizing. "The Goddess Of Magic And Death" immortalizes a flourishing vocal performance from Marta Gabriel, almost resembling Doro Pesch with a hard rock ramification of furore and empowering entrancements while more of that outre panache & spectacular spectacles of mighty verve hypnotizes you.

"Furor Teutonicus" spellbinds one with overarching symphonies of other-worldly Power Metal triggering, motoring with this symbolic retribution of dark licks and bludgeoning pandemonium - ruthlessly and elegantly olympian solemnity while silver-lining attributes engage in a fast-paced but grandiose grandeur in magistral trails of lofty, groundbreaking furocity. "Ode To The Flames" fabricates similar zest, marching robotically with warlike battle cries and charmingl benediction. A clobbering but catchy adaptability unleashes vivacious yells amongst a bombarding volley of assailing cords that yell with shouty splendor while this rowdy servitude of noble integrity, charismatically entrances eardrums with praise and enticing accolades of warlike finesse in linear fashion. An emancipating pride within the penultimate banger "Morituri Te Salutant" relishes with more spirited heartiness and epic craftsmanship mobility, trancing one with rigorous reverie.

Overall concluding "Imperium Rapax" with the finale epic "Quo Vadis" this righteous divinity; I am compelled to say that this record was most surely an enjoyably entertaining discovery that's worthy of spinning & replaying a good few times. This holy but godlike portrayal provides an insatiable amount of kingsman-like salute that also deserves full gratitude from yours truly, an empowering embodiment of all things heavy and royalty that the Kings of Metal themselves would also hail. CUSTARD most surely outdone themselves here, do check it out.