Since the coming of the internet and digital recording technologies, many countries that seemed to not have a Metal scene showed bands and bands with potential to grow and take the world by assault. One of them is Cyprus, a country that had (and maybe still has) political/social problems, but from time to time shows very good acts. One of them is the quartet MARCH TO DIE. As heard on the band’s first release, “Tears of the Gorgon”, their efforts are in a form of traditional Heavy Metal filled with an aggressive energy (due the nasty clean tunes used by the vocals) and epic elements. It could be described as a mix of influences between IRON MAIDEN, MANOWAR, ACCEPT and JUDAS PRIEST (on “Painkiller” age), but always showing personality and strength.

It’s rich on melodies as well, with charming orchestrations of keyboards to boost the epic side of the songs (as heard on “Son of the Old Gods”), and some melodic Thrash Metal/Speed Metal traces can be heard in many points (as on “Helmetsmasher”). And it’s really very good, and a promise for the future as well. The sonority of “Tears of the Gorgon” is a creation of Nikolas Moutafis (the band’s guitarist), who did the recordings, mixing and mastering. All the efforts were done to give the album an aggressive and actual appeal (but with an organic expression as well). All can be heard clearly too, but the band’s music deserved a bit more. And the artwork (sharpened by George Zacharoglou’s work on the layout) depicts the mythological content of the band’s lyrics.

All nine songs on the album are a delight for Heavy Metal fans; from Old School Heavy Metal ones to the Modern Heavy Metal expressions as well. Just hear to “One Eyed King” (very good melodies that sustain their musical aggressiveness, and what very good sets of guitar riffs and arrangements), “Hail to Thee” (what lovely epic melodies can be heard, sustained by a heavy rhythmic artillery from bass guitar and drums, and what a very good set of backing vocals and choruses), “Son of the Old Gods” (excellent keyboards parts and charming bass guitar arrangements, and what lovely chorus), “Helmetsmasher” (a strong and heavy set of aggressive arrangements is heard, but what heavy drumming can be heard on the rhythmic conductions), “March to Die” (where some Hard Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll melodies can be heard, in a more accessible expression of the band’s music), and… Well, don’t be lazy and listen to “Stand and Be Counted”, “Decapitation” and “Tears of the Gorgon” as well, because this album is an addiction.

Adjusting some aspects of their music (the vocals have to evolve just a bit, and it’s not a matter of changing the singer, please, and with a production that could fit in a better way into what they need), the tendency is to see MARCH TO DIE taking the world by assault. For now, “Tears of the Gorgon” deserves applause.