Idol Throne’s The Sibylline Age is an album I’ve found myself returning to time and time again since its 2022 release, and not just because I consider them to be good friends. No, Idol Throne ever so subtly channels that beautifully bizarre power/prog/thrash amalgamation reminiscent of classic Sanctuary that’s far too lacking in today’s trad metal scene. There was also this underlying sense that as fulfilling as their debut was (and still is), they were capable of achieving even greater heights, as if their finest hour was yet to come.
Upon the release of their sophomore album, A Clarion Call, I can safely say this aforementioned thought was less of an observation and more of a premonition. The evolution this band has gone through as musicians, writers, arrangers, and so forth, is drastic. We’re not talking Kill ‘Em All to Ride the Lightning drastic, as these dudes were never slouches in the first place. That said, A Clarion Call proudly showcases a confidently forceful outfit: One who lays us to waste with an 8 track masterclass of virtuoso showmanship, thrashing aggression, and US power metal valor.
From the opening “Ecliptykon”, Idol Throne gets right down to business, unleashing intense ’80s style power-thrash in the vein of Flotsam and Jetsam. The riffs are hardheaded and dare one to mosh, but are quickly countered by some masterful lead guitar work that dominates the entire album, courtesy of Jason Schultz and Martin Bowman. Even at Clarion‘s most hostile moments (i.e. “Petrified”, “The Last Voyage”), there’s a sense of grace synonymous with the most regal of the prog and power metal crop, yet without ever coming off as pretentious. Idol Throne are less concerned about putting on a clinic and more concerned with crafting an excellent metal song.
For the power metal purists that shudder at the thought of such grace being endangered by numbskull mosh riffs, there’s no shortage of pure blooded USPM fury abound. Whether it be the soaring “Covenant of the Immortal”, Manowar-esque battle march “King Among Jackals”, or the shockingly folk metal flavored title track, Idol Throne boast an ability to explore the vast traditional metal terrain without ever losing their core identity as a one part power, one part thrash machine. This is, again, further emboldened by the aforementioned neoclassical leads of Schultz and Bowman, who on this album ascend to Mustaine and Friedman levels of greatness. Yes, I said what I said.
Those reading this review should consider it a call to immerse yourself in A Clarion Call. Lord knows the dudes in Idol Throne worked their asses off to put this monster of an album together, and it shows in every last riff. If they continue to progress at this rate, I’m almost scared of what album #3 has in store for them (Due for release in 2026? We shall see). Until then, I’ll defiantly crank up A Clarion Call to ward off the weak and the false…at least until Fueled by Fear, the latest album from Schulz’s “other” band, Wraith, drops.
8 out of 10
Label: Stormspell Records
Genre: Power/Thrash Metal
For fans of: Sanctuary, Flotsam and Jetsam, Megadeth