WARLORD is a Los Angeles based band that plays pure US Metal, or if you will, Heavy/Power Metal. They started life in 1980, and released their absolute classic timebomb called “And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun” in 1984. It certainly caused a stir within the Metal community. It didn’t help the band, though, as they disbanded in 1986. Some 15 years later, in 2001, they reconvened and released another good album in 2002. This one has the title “Rising Out Of The Ashes”, and again it was in vain, because shortly after its release the band fell apart again. Fast forward another nine years to 2011, and WARLORD must have figured that third time is the lucky charm, as the band was reformed once again. This rendition lasted ten years, and produced two full length albums during that time. “The Holy Empire” was released in 2013, followed by “The Hunt For Damien” in 2015. Six years later they called it quits again, only to reinvent themselves once more in 2023. The result of this rising is currently blasting my speakers and is called “Free Spirit Soar”. I’m just wondering how long it will be before WARLORD pulls the plug once again.

One thing I haven’t mentioned so far is that WARLORD is a very Christian Metal band. Their beliefs are not so much on display as with a band like STRYPER, but nevertheless, they do have songs that underline their religious intentions. The best example of this trait on “Free Spirit Soar” is the closing song "Revelation XIX". I have to admit that this doesn’t bother me at all, as long as the music is above any reproach. And if there is one thing you can be sure of, it is that WARLORD delivers good music. I feel that I do have to make a distinction, though, as I feel the real gems on this album are the ones that have the higher tempo, are played an octave higher than the slow ones. Songs like “Conqueror” and “Worms Of The Earth” just add that much more to the pleasure and enjoyment of my listening experience. Plus, the singer Giles Lavery really does shine throughout these faster paced tunes.

Because in the lower and slower segment of the songs I feel that he is lacking enthusiasm, conviction and power. He sounds like someone just doing their thing on automatic pilot. But then again, it matches the atmosphere the music is portraying is those songs. It is still good music, but it also is a bit boring. It just crawls forward, dribbles along, however you want to call it. And that is a pity, because WARLORD has proven that it can still write full blown exciting music. If only they would have filled a full album with it. But I regret to have to tell you they haven’t done that. It makes “Free Spirit Soar” into a mediocre album for me.