In the 80's, many legendary names of Metal arose from the depths of the underground worldwide. Some musicians became notorious, with their names linked for the rest of their lives to a band. When we speak of Ross Friedman's name, the one we all know as Ross The Boss, the legendary guitar player and founder of MANOWAR, we think of heavy songs with great melodies that are easy to understand. So we can say that these are the elements that you'll find on "By Blood Sworn", the new work of ROSS THE BOSS.

It's a thunderous Heavy Metal album in the vein of U.S. Metal bands. Of course you'll have the clear idea of some parts on the songs that will remind you of MANOWAR's work, but remember that Ross was one of the main composers of the band, and recorded their greatest classics as well. But on this new work, you'll feel the energy of DEATHDEALER and THE DICTATORS as well. Remember that Marc Lopes and Mike LePond gave their contributions as well. If you're a MANOWAR fan, or like Ross' other bands, you'll love "By Blood Sworn" as well.

Dean Rispler produced the album, having Jesse Cannon helping on the sound engineering, along the mastering of Alan Douches. All to build a sound quality that could be crystalline, but heavy and thunderous as the band's needed to sound. And they got it, with a clean and bone crushing sound. The cover created by Stan W. Decker gives us all the right idea of what is waiting for us on this album.

On "By Blood Sworn" you'll have the clear idea of hearing a MANOWAR song due the same harmonic structure used (especially the chorus and guitars). "Among the Bones" has that Hard Rock scent that we all expect from US Metal School, with fine rough melodies (and a heavy and great work from bass guitar and drums as well). The hooking impact of "This is Vengeance" is really great, with very good vocals. On "Faith of the Fallen", a beautiful ballad that was unexpected, but extremely welcome due its great arrangements (and some heavy parts as well). That catchy 80's energy can be heard on "Devil's Day", especially due its nasty melodies and great guitars, the same elements presented on "Play Among the Godz". The Hard Rock accessible touch of "Circle of Damnation" and the bitter catchy harmonies of "Fistful of Hate" are the album's finest moments.

Let's say it like this: Ross the Boss is back with his new band, so listen to and buy "By Blood Sworn," because it's a rebirth for him, and a gift for us all.