Hardaw are a Heavy Metal band based in Cyprus. The band which was formed in 2011 has had a revolving line up is back with a revamped roster, the current line up is made up of Jimmy Mavrommatis (Armageddon Rev. 16:16 And Mirror) on vocals, Nikolas “Spirits” Moutafis (Solitary Sobred, March To Die,Friends Of Hell) and Andreas Kyriacou (Reciever) both on guitar, with also Adamos Adamou (Ex R.U.S.T.X. ) on Bass , Vangelis Moutafis (Dragon Breath) completing the line up on Drums. “Abyss Of A Mankind" which has been over a decade in the making, with the new band members showcases a dynamic blend of styles and their diversity.

“Abyss Of Mankind” consists of 8 tracks kicking off with “The Cry Of Persania” which starts with a 90 seconds guitar driven intro which then kicks off into a really dramatic track, full of hard hitting drums, guitar riffs and runs with some dramatic vocals, which certainly grabs your attention. ”Hunter X Hunted” a more fast tempo track with some Power Metal twists, a sing a long “oh oh oh” type chorus, those galloping melodies and drums which are very similar to Iron Maiden. ”Crime Reborn” more mid tempo is more of a reserved track in the chorus but this leaves some space for some hooks and runs. ”Abyss Of Mankind” has a mellow sounding intro which then breaks into some aggressive sounding drums and runs, more melodic metal style track with a chorus which is not as catchy as previous tracks. ”The Path” fast paced, a theatrical chorus, also vocally has some Thrash Metal runs and riffs, has a great guitar duel solo thrown into the track too. ”Crimson Lake” starts with anticipation , suspense with intrigue then breaks into more of the same full of fast paced drums, riffs and theatrical vocals and backing vocals. ”Second Coming” I found very hard grasp, also to get into at first, but it's just an old fashioned style Heavy Metal style track but doesn't really go anywhere the ending fade out very poor cut of the track, ”Riddle Disciples” is a very moving tribute to Mark “The Shark” Shelton (Manilla Road) which is a very emotional track to finish off the album ,a great tribute which will be very much be welcomed by fans of Manilla Road.

If you like good old fashioned Heavy Metal with a pinch of diversity then this album is right down your street. It has some dramatic moments musically and vocally, the production was a bit hit and miss for me. I couldn't really get into the album which was hard at times to appreciate it for what was. I had to give it a few plays before some tracks grew on me . There is some great heavy melodies, dramatic vocals apart from the tribute track “Riddle Disciples” , "Hunted X Hunted " the opener “The Cry Of Persania” the other five tracks were just average for me.