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LORD VOLTURE
Will To Power

Mausoleum (2014)
Rating: 7/10

Having been impressed by the recent steely shenanigans of German metallers Stallion (Rise And Ride), I was more than prepared for another deadly dose of traditional metal. Thankfully, Dutch metallers Lord Volture have stepped up to the plate, albeit in patches. Will To Power is the third opus from this quintet.

The band began life in 2010 and so three full-length releases since then showcases the prolific nature of this beast which consists of Marcelis brothers David (vocals) and Paul (guitar), Leon Hermans (guitar), Simon Geurts (bass) and Frank Wintermans (drums).

Although much less fiery than some of the revival metal bands doing the rounds, Lord Volture supplies heaps of melody within those galloping melodies and that tight rhythm, which is based around those strong riffs and steely leads.

In a sense, it’s no frills metal, with David Marcelis’ vocals being a simple yet effective clean-cut croon over a collection of more than sufficient metal hymns which are driven home hard and with sincerity. This is not a band hell-bent on gimmicks or parody; instead, it delivers a set of songs which remain in the memory long after closer ‘Line ‘Em Up!’ has expired. With that durable bass and Wintermans’ solid drum backdrop, the likes of ‘The Pugilist’, ‘Will To Power’ and ‘Omertà’ have an effortless grace; the latter showcasing the band’s subtle abilities. Each track pretty much follows a theme of existing as classic metal hinting at epic fantasy and majesty, but with each subject matter dealt with within that precise framework of musicianship.

This time round the band has incorporated more hooks and fury than was apparent on 2011’s Never Cry Wolf, which for me didn’t live up to the reputation of 2010 debut platter Beast Of Thunder. In a sense, Will To Power is a mix of both albums, touching upon that Judas Priest influence every now and then. For a majority of bands of this ilk it’s nigh on impossible to escape the Iron Maiden tinge too, but these guys do a competent job when it comes to sprucing up 80s metal. Nevertheless, whether it’s enough to allow them to stand out from the crowd remains to be seen.

My opinion is that because of its very traditional feel, Will To Power does at times lack that one killer punch, especially when compared to albums by the aforementioned Stallion, and to a lesser extent UK rockers Amulet. Lord Volture do need to shift through the gears, but I’m not quite sure it’s actually in them.

While this album is a rather comfortable ride into the halcyon days of 80s metal, it may not deliver enough oomph for those seeking something extra hot.

Neil Arnold

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