Release Date: 19.12.2025
Format: CD/LP/Digital
Genre: Heavy Metal
Country: Germany
Olymp formed in
Augsburg, Germany and have been active since 2018, building their name through
constant live activity and a clear devotion to classic heavy metal. After the
self-titled debut album in 2023 and an earlier EP in 2019, the band pushed
further outside Europe, including an appearance at VMF Brazil in 2025. That
path leads to their second full length release, “Rising”, issued by Metalizer Records.
“Rising” presents Olymp as a band rooted in traditional heavy metal,
drawing strongly from the spirit of the 1980s. The songwriting follows familiar
paths of epic themes, heroic imagery and steady, driving rhythms. Riffs are
front and center, melodies remain clear, and the overall sound stays grounded
in classic metal values without drifting into excess or studio tricks.
Vocals take a dominant role across
the album, delivering lyrics inspired by myth, struggle and endurance. The
guitar work focuses on harmony and momentum, supporting the songs with
memorable patterns rather than constant variation. Bass and drums maintain a
firm presence throughout, giving the material a solid foundation that suits the
band’s approach and keeps the pacing consistent.
As a whole, “Rising” reflects a step
forward in cohesion and presentation for Olymp.
The album follows a clear direction and maintains it across its runtime,
offering a reliable heavy metal release aimed at listeners who appreciate
tradition and clarity. It strengthens the band’s position within the scene and
confirms their steady progress since the debut.
Founded in 2009, Sceptor
has weathered an eventful history marked by lineup shifts, hiatuses, and
rebirths. Emerging from the German heavy metal underground, they’ve always
carried a traditional sound linked to names like Roxxcalibur
and Attacker. After a long break and
a strong comeback with “Rise To The Light” in 2021, “Wrath Of The Gods” finds
them again reborn, with new vocalist Florian
Reimann taking the mic after Bob Mitchell’s
departure. Released through Metalizer Records,
this third album comes across as a band standing tall after years of
challenges.
“Wrath Of
The Gods” runs for just under 40 minutes and sticks to the essentials of
classic heavy metal. The sound is grounded in galloping riffs, steady drumming,
and soaring vocals, leaning on the school of early 80s metal where melody and
aggression go hand in hand. The production keeps things straightforward and raw
enough to preserve a live energy, avoiding the plastic gloss that often kills
this style. Reimann’s voice is powerful,
somewhere between traditional metal, fitting comfortably within the band’s
direction.
Songs like
“Legion” and “Slave Of Power” deliver strong, catchy choruses and plenty of
guitar harmonies. “Hades & Zeus” adds a bit of epic atmosphere without
drifting into overblown territory, while “Demon Eyes” feels like a throwback to
the debut days, carrying that same pulse of early Sceptor. The guest appearance
of Nick Giannakos on “Slow Ride Into The
Sun” adds a nice guitar-driven spark, giving the middle of the album a lift.
“Poseidon” and “Throne Of The Damned” close things on a heavier, almost darker
tone, keeping the listener engaged until the end.
There’s an
honesty in the way the band plays. Nothing sounds artificial or forced, and
even though the album doesn’t surprise at every corner, it does what it intends
to do. To deliver solid, energetic metal with the right amount of melody and
aggression. The songwriting is compact and direct, with riffs that stick around
long enough to make an impact.
“Wrath Of
The Gods” might not reach the intensity of “Take Command!”, but it has a
veteran spirit and a revived energy that makes it a worthy addition to the
band’s catalog. It’s an album made by musicians who clearly enjoy what they’re
doing, and that alone gives it weight in today’s crowded scene.
Burning Sun is a
Hungarian power metal band formed in the early 2020s, quickly rising within the
underground European metal scene. Their self-titled debut was initially
released on cassette, then pressed on CD via Stormspell
Records, and later reissued through Silverstream
Records. Drawing inspiration from classic German power metal bands, Burning Sun built their identity on strong
songwriting, fantasy-based lyrical content, and dynamic musicianship. At the
heart of the band are Pancho Ireland,
responsible for vocals and guitars, and Zoltán Papi,
who handles bass and lyrics. With roots also extending to Pancho’s solo project, Merciless
Law, Burning Sun merges personal
storytelling with energetic heavy metal influences.
“Retribution” is a compact and vivid concept
album that takes its narrative foundation seriously. It follows a unified
storyline across all tracks, chronicling the journey of a young paladin named
Emaly as she confronts loss, seeks vengeance, and pursues redemption. While
each song can be appreciated musically on its own, their interconnected
structure gives the album a sequential cohesion that encourages front-to-back
listening.
Musically,
the album is grounded in the melodic sensibilities of early-to-mid ‘90s German
power metal. Twin guitar harmonies are frequent and satisfying, backed by
rhythmic gallops and a sense of urgency that never overstays its welcome. The
overall pacing benefits from a tight 38-minute runtime, keeping momentum high
while allowing moments of reflection and narrative clarity. The guitar work is
varied—layered rhythm parts alternate with melodic lead passages, and solos are
used with purpose. Guest appearances add subtle variation without shifting the
tone.
Vocally, Pancho Ireland brings a commanding presence. His
delivery doesn’t aim for extremes but remains expressive and tuneful. His
performance fits well with the character-driven story, acting as both narrator
and participant. The production keeps the vocals prominent but not overpowering.
The inclusion of background narration and effects is minimal and used to
strengthen the story rather than distract from the music.
The mix,
handled by Ireland himself, is sharp and
slightly aggressive in tone, aligning with the subject matter. It avoids
excessive gloss, giving the songs a direct and physical sound. This texture
helps preserve the atmosphere of tension and struggle. Bass and drums are given
ample presence, adding depth beneath the melodic layers without dragging the
energy down.
Lyrically,
the songs are focused and purposeful. The concept is carried clearly through
each title, and while the narrative is simple, it is handled with enough detail
and conviction to keep interest. The fantasy elements are familiar but treated
with earnestness. The story supplements the music rather than overshadowing it.
“Retribution”
is consistent in its stylistic approach, and its focused runtime avoids
unnecessary filler. Though it doesn't deviate much from the framework it
establishes early on, that sense of control is also what makes the album hold
together so effectively. It feels thought-out, musically tight, and sincere in
intent.
