Hailing from the land of Celtic Frost and Krokus, Switzerland’s Megaton Sword are the latest epic metal warriors to storm this site. I must admit that even I was surprised by this coincidence. I usually review an epic metal album every other month. Two epic metal albums in a week? Unheard of. If I review a third, I’m bound to wake up wearing battle armor.
Unlike Eternal Champion’s brand of epic metal which sticks to two distinct, yet old school, formulas, Megaton Sword’s is a bit more multidimensional. The opening title track features one of the most unique genre blends I’ve heard all year. On the surface, one would call it plain Manilla Road worship, especially taking frontman Uzzy Unchained’s nasally vocals into consideration. However, listen to the riffs during the uptempo sections. There’s a blackened/viking quality akin to 90s Bathory. If you hear thunder tonight, it’s Mark “The Shark” Shelton and Quorthon rejoicing from Valhalla over this victorious concoction.
Tracks like “Verene” and “Wastrels” showcase the band’s melodic side. The songs are rooted in the classic US power metal sound, but the riffs have a hard rocking tinge reminiscent of Saxon, Scorpions, and late 80s Manowar. “Crimson River” serves as the obligatory epic metal ballad, while my choice cut, “Sons of Victory”, kicks things into overdrive. Could this be the first blackened epic speed metal song? If so, what a way to begin a new sub-sub-subgenre.
Megaton Sword’s lyrical abilities are as impressive as their musical abilities. Anyone can read a Michael Moorcock novel and churn out their own ten minute pseudo-fantasy metal suite. It’s another thing to match the intensity of epic music with equally epic verses. For example, take the ultraviolent imagery of “General Bloodlust”: “He bathes in gore and intestines. Other men are like lice, get crushed alive. Fear; the wolf haunts the dunes and traders shed tears of blood.” Now here’s a band who got an A+ in English class!
The same way Atlantean Kodex and Eternal Champion proudly defended epic metal in the 2010s, Megaton Sword will be the genre’s champions of the 2020s. Blood Hails Steel – Steel Hails Fire is merely the beginning. With the power of the gods and their swords firmly in hand, there’s no telling what this band is capable of.
7 out of 10
Label: Dying Victims Productions
Genre: Epic Heavy Metal
For fans of: Manilla Road, Eternal Champion, 90s Bathory