People have the wrong idea about the USA Metal School sometimes due the fact that Modern Metal genres appeared there first. But the US underground scene became a stronghold in hard times for many during the 90's. And today things are warming up again, with new bands with the quintessential core of US Heavy Metal being presented in their music. And the quartet MORGUL BLADE, hailing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, comes with their first album, "Fell Sorcery Abounds".

It's amazing how these guys are able to play the same old and good form of traditional Heavy Metal that's common by many bands of the USA (but with some clear influences from Hard Rock from the 70's, some early Doom Metal touches and even with extreme influences due the vocals in some moments using harsh tunes), but with a new energy that is tempered with excellent hooking melodies. The band does not abuse of the instrumental technique, because their music doesn't need it, but knows how to created interesting musical arrangements. And it's good for the ears to hear such form of music. Unusual for today, when bands with an Old School approach love to emulate the sonorities of the past, the quartet made an option for something created to be defined. It's obvious that the sound quality has some roughness, but in a way that is allowed to anyone to understand what is being played.

The album is really very good, and shows a band that, as it matures and time passes, is really great. But even now, songs as the powerful and melodic "He Who Sits Upon the Black Throne of Angmar / The Morgul Blade" (the harsh vocals contrasting with the melodies is always a good choice, and the guitars are great), the crude and massive energy that comes from "A Last Waltz of Gevaudan" and "In the Grip of the Dark Lord" (the solid rhythms created by bass guitar and drums are really excellent), the charming melodies presented by the guitars on "The Five Will Ride at Dawn" and "The Beacons Must Be Lit!", and the "Fell Sorcery Abounds" are a great experience.

MORGUL BLADE still has to mature a bit more, but "Fell Sorcery Abounds" is really a very good release.