From the band's website- "WARDRUM is a group of passionate musicians that use their own metal music blend in the likes of Judas Priest, Riot, and Symphony X, with motivational lyrics, to inspire and hopefully awaken self-confidence to people who want to give their dreams another chance." This is a nice sentiment and an uplifting approach to making music. It's reflected in their sound and songwriting which present a very upbeat vibe. However, I'm not hearing much of their listed influences present in their music. They are much more on the power side of things and closer to Dragonforce or Manowar focusing on mid-tempo rockers, theatrical vocal harmonies, and driving guitar riffs.

"Hunt For Survival" starts with a beautiful reverse guitar part before building into a marching tempo. The vocal harmonies are strong but can be a bit shrill and unrelenting. "Best Of Times" has a driving double kick pattern that opens into a more syncopated verse. Chorus brings in a nice hook and more melodic approach. The guitar solos are ridiculous here, starting off with modal harmonies and then a masterclass in prog shred. Clearly students of Petrucci and Loomis.

The production is fantastic across the board for the whole album, guitar tones are rich and varied, drums crystal clear, bass full and present, and vocals articulate. Mix/ master sounds very high quality and radio-ready. "Mavericks" like most of the songs on this album has a big, power-metal, anthemic chorus but lyrically is more focused on common themes of self-discovery and personal evolution. High points of the song are a stripped down section with guitars out so you can really get a sense of the bass and drum interplay and the closing section with acapella vocal harmonies with a more relaxed vibe.

"No One Believes" is a nice break in the action with arpeggiated acoustic guitars but the powerful vocals of Margaritopoulos seem out of place and over the top in spots that could use a more restrained approach. "Sliver Of Eternity" ends the album with a strong closer. Drummer Stergios Kourou pulls out all the stops with some really cool ride cymbal work and deft rhythm patterns. "Mavericks" marks the fourth release from WARDRUM in a little over a decade and showcases a mature band at the height of their instrumental ability. It reveals their focused songwriting, heavily immersed in power metal but with more mature lyrics. Guitarists Vreto and Demain should be rightfully hailed as full blown guitar heroes, their playing is flawless. Excellent album.