The inheritance that 80's US Metal paradigm left is amazing, and is still sensible today in many bands. And through the trend of Old School Metal acts, many bands are doing that form of music again, some doing great albums, while others prefer to copy what was already done. But some good stuff can be found once in a while, as "The Golden Age of Black Magick", the latest release from the quintet IGNITOR, from Austin, Texas.

In such form of music, the US Metal form of the 80's, influences from MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT and NWOBHM can be felt along with some traces from hooking elements from 70's Hard Rock. So many features can remind something, but don't get the wrong idea: these guys are creating a personal form of doing things, and their music sounds as it's a perfect blend of aggressiveness, weight and hooking melodies, and it's unleashing a storming energy into the ears of the listeners. It's truly good!

Stuart Laurence (the band's guitarist) is the one who worked on the recording sessions, mixed and mastered the album, and the aim was something simple, organic and heavy, but with an updated sonority improved by modern devices. And he found a great sound quality, where all sound in a form that really seems as a 80's Metal band, but with a modern and defined set of instrumental tunes.

This album is a perfect and massive Heavy Metal blow in the ears, with eight excellent songs that can make the hearts of older fans beat savagely, especially during songs as "Secrets of the Ram" (a massive energy comes from the excellent guitars' parts), "Countess Apollyon" (this one is a fine example of what US Metal meant to be in the 80's, and what a solid work on bass guitar and drums, along with a charming chorus), "The Golden Age of Black Magick" (A song with a deep and melodic appeal, but with a brutal heavy grasp), "Tonight We Ride" (a remarkable work from the vocals, and from someone who sang on WATCHTOWER isn't something unexpected at all), and "Execution Without Trial". But these US Heavy Metal riders deserve applause for such a great set of songs (and the album could be a bit longer, because the more you hear, the more you love it).

IGNATOR is really a very good name in the USA scene, and I hope it can storm the world once more. Until this day, listening to "The Golden Age of Black Magick" is a fine way to sharpen your spears!