STEELBOURNE, a power metal band from Denmark, was initially a lockdown studio project, designed to finish unreleased material by the trio's previous band, SAVAGE MACHINE. As the song writing escalated, the foundation for "A tale as old as time" was built, and a single spark reignited an inferno. STEELBOURNE honors the legends of old, being deeply inspired by metal legends as JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, DIO and ACCEPT while incorporating a contemporary twist into their music, aiming to provide a modern take on classic heavy metal. Having played large venues both domestically and internationally, the trio is no stranger to touring life either. The band recruited (for the studio recording) Simon Kannegarrd on guitar to help sauce up several songs as well as Simon Sorsback on drums and backing vocals. The band explains the unique stories behind the seven tracks on "A tale as old as time" as "thematically poking at religious events throughout history".

Out of the gate, "By the way of the Serpent" in your face thundering rock beat with heavy guitar riffs then slows to a melodic guitar solo that bursts into a shredded finish with blistering fretwork mastery. The title track, "A Tale as old as Time" starts out mystical with a nice string infusion and the haunting vocals of Troels Rasmussen that blend perfectly with his old school metal screams. This song is a total rocker, with chilling lyrics "Such dreams I had, can't you hear the angels cry, the beast will carry us a child." Dynamic tempo changes and twists surrounded by the heavy flurry of slamming guitar work by Jacob Brunn. Right back in your face with "Defiler" churning riffs, furious vocals molded together with tight bass and drumbeats. This song highlights Bruun and his riveting guitar prowess. "King of Kings" gives us a calming, spiritual beginning with acoustic guitar and gritty vocal layering, and then vaults you on a biblical journey of worship "Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Spirt, three in one"
The most sinister song, "Requiem - For those about to Die", starts hypnotic with strings and percussion that leads the way to some "demonic" vocals with an errie tone. I love the diversity on this song, a well-crafted song that paints a deep, dark picture. The songs end on a heavy tempo that really showcases the massive talent of this band. "Inferno" ends the album with a mysterious start, again with strings and percussion that breaks away into a scorching guitar heavy beat with raw and edgy vocals. A perfect ending to a head banging album, leaving the listener wanting more.

STEELBOURNE has an early JUDAS PRIEST feel and sound, especially in the vocals of Rasmussen. Their songs paint a visual picture with superb lyrics, reminiscent of Operation Mindcrime by QUEENSRYCHE, killer riffs, and kick-ass guitar shredding. This is a no-holes barred, down and dirty old school heavy metal. I love bands that tell a story with their meaningful and eloquent lyrics that leave you captivated. "Twisting minds and time, terror took my hand, now I stand at the walls, we are divine". This is a must for all headbangers.