LORDS OF BLACK is a Heavy Metal band based out of Madrid, Spain. Formed in 2014, this is the band's sophomore LP, and contains twelve tracks. A brief opening instrumental leads into the galloping fury of "Merciless." Stylistically I would push this into the Power or Classic Metal category due to the Ronnie James Dio-like vocals and the pacing, as well as a nice combination of both major and minor chords so as not to remain overly bright or dark. "Only One Life Away" is a little slower in pace but still quite rich in sound. Though the truly exalted vocals really seem to drive the sound, the instrumental presence is full as well. "Everything You're Not" has a really nice piano melody in the beginning. It has a "power-ballad" feeling to it, but perhaps not in the classic sense, but a renewed take on that style.

Another track that makes good use of piano is "New World's Comin." I really find that piano in modern metal totally enhances the genre and this is no exception here. It gives the song more texture but yet more listenability at the same time. With "Cry No More," the album has established a really strong diversity of sound. Full of swag and pig squeals, this song could have been something you heard on an early WHITESNAKE album, but with a modernized approach. The strings are absolutely buried in the guitar solo also. "Insane" is another slower and more introspective number that has big emotional peaks, especially in the chorus. If you can't connect with the feels here you could be part cyborg. I like the anthem quality of "Live by the Lie, Die by the Truth." The mantra is reflected in the dark nature of the song. Though dangerous only when provoked, there are also some bright elements present. "Ghost of You" brings even more variety. This mid-tempo number packs a lot of punch and power and Ronnie's outstanding vocals shake the very ground.

"Shadows of War" closes the album. It's a darker sounding song, as the title suggests, with the gallop of double bass and a nice, long chorus. Overall I found the album much to my liking. This is both a very talented and intelligent new band, especially vocally. His voice is menacing and powerful and he easily negotiates the upper ranges with spot-on pitch. The lead guitar parts are also very impressive. The commitment to the Classic or NWOBHM/Power Metal sound is noteworthy, but they are also not content to rest on the sounds of old, and are blazing their own path in the modern landscape. This is one case where the proverbial wheel was re-invented, and done quite well.