Even with all the new genres and evolutions of Metal throughout these 50 years of existence since BLACK SABBATH released “Black Sabbath”, the old and good models on traditional Heavy Metal are still here, being used by new bands and being useful to make life of the fans happier. No Metal genre loses its shines as time passes (only for clones, mind you), and as a proof of such words, the Italian sextet GENGIS KHAN is here against all the odds with an EP, “Masters of My Sins”.

Alex “Bounty” Conti is the guy who took care of the mixing and mastering of the songs at Convolution Studio, Ravenna, Italy (where the EP was recorded). The main idea seems to be sound as organic and simple as it was in the 80s, but taking advantage of the modern technologies. It sounds as the band just entered the studio for a rehearsal, set the gears and played as it was recorded, but with a very good level of sound definition to make things understandable. And it works in a very good way, indeed.

The way the sextet works into Heavy Metal is a combination between Heavy Metal tendencies from USA and Europe in the 80s (not only NWOBHM), what gives the quintet a strong and bold personality. The instrumental sheath is excellent (especially because the keyboards add a tasteful temper into their heavier approach), the vocals works on a very good way (besides Frank can do better than is shown). They’re not recreating Heavy Metal, but working in an honest and personal way.

These five songs are really excellent. On “Masters of My Sins”, the band uses an actual approach, but using elements from the past, and even a touch of Hard Rock can be heard (as heard on the thunderous work of bass guitar and drums); “Nightmare” is full of energy and hooks, as in a midterm between the filthy appeal of MOTÖRHEAD and the savage energy of JUDAS PRIEST (with excellent guitar riffs being tempered by charming melodies of the keyboards); on “The Seventh Heaven”, some epic elements entangle with sharp and aggressive riffs (again with charming keyboards parts) and technical bass playing; on “Rising from Hell” the melodic side of their music becomes evident, with refined arrangements and accessible melodies (with the nasty vocals fitting in a very good way on the instrumental sheath). And “In the Land of Darkness” contrasts an introspective beginning with a heavier and Power metal-like main body. And at the end of it, you’ll be spinning it again.

“Masters of My Sins” is really an excellent release, and it’s a sin to be short as it is (it could be a full-length). But GENGIS KHAN already released another EP, “Arrows & Flames”, so where it is that it’s not on my review list by now????