Today is a great day to be a power metal fan. Euro legends Helloween have returned with what seems to be the most anticipated album in eons, Helloween. The hype surrounding such a release is enough to overshadow the return of another sleeping power metal giant, Pharaoh. Up until last night, I didn’t even know Pharaoh was still an active band, let alone on the verge of releasing a brand new album. I assumed Chris Black had fully shifted his focus towards High Spirits and *insert any number of side projects here*, but a quick scroll through my Facebook feed before bed proved otherwise.
Being in a traditional or power metal band is all the rage today, but this wasn’t always the case. Pharaoh formed back in 1997, when both styles couldn’t be less fashionable (see that year’s Ozzfest lineup for reference). Alongside Twisted Tower Dire and The Lord Weird Slough Feg, they brazenly waved the US true metal flag throughout the 2000s, paving the way for a slew of copycats, I mean, admirers, come the 2010s. It was pretty cool of them to step back and let these young bucks take the reigns. However, the time has come for Pharaoh to return and reclaim their throne.
The Powers That Be is the first Pharaoh album in 9 years, but you wouldn’t know it. The band picks up right where 2012’s Bury the Light left off. The opening title track showcases all the classic Pharaoh traits: muscular riffs, choirlike vocals, gut punching production, and a healthy dose of melody. Whereas most power metal throwback bands tend to blatantly ape Helloween or Riot, Pharaoh keeps you on the edge of your seat by incorporating twists and turns of Maiden-esque prog, as well as intricate guitar work courtesy of Matt Johnsen. In particular, the solo on “Will We Rise” recalls shades of early Queensrÿche.
What Pharaoh does best is live up to the title of being a power metal band. Just because a band says they’re power metal or plays the style doesn’t mean they’re worthy of the title. For example, Sabaton is one of the biggest “power metal” bands out there today, but when I listen to them, I don’t hear power. I hear generic modern metal with the consistency of processed cheese. When I listen to Pharaoh, I hear power. More importantly, I feel power. Cuts like “Lost in the Waves”, “Freedom”, and “I Can Hear Them” give me the motivation to soldier onwards with whatever it is I’m doing. It’s the same surge of electricity I get when listening to Medieval Steel, Crimson Glory, Warlord…you get the idea.
Nearly 25 years since their inception, Pharaoh’s swords gleam through battle. US steel reigns supreme once more. Let Wacken keep its false warriors and neckbeard wizards. I say glory be to Old Glory! As a wise King once sang, “the curse of the pharaohs can be so deadly”. And oh is The Powers That Be deadly.
9 out of 10
Label: Cruz del Sur Music
Genre: Power Metal
For fans of: Iron Maiden, Twisted Tower Dire, Iced Earth