Battleroar return in powerful fashion after a long eight-year silence, bringing us “Petrichor”, an epic metal masterpiece with songwriting of exceptional quality, capable of inspiring awe and deep emotion in every fan of epic music. Now handling vocal duties is Michalis Karasoulis, who gives the songs of Battleroar the strength, weight and emotion they require, fully completing them and elevating them to another level. We also welcome back Alex Papadiamantis on violin, whose mesmerizing playing — sometimes leading the charge, sometimes adding subtle layers, and at other times delivering standout solos — stamps each track with a distinctive character, opening another dimension in the final result. Additionally, the band features Zack Kotsikis of Thelemite, whose contribution adds significant depth to the album’s guitar work. This gives the band’s leader, Kostas Tzortzis (guitar), outstanding companions who help him forge this blazing steel and shape a fiery, narrative-driven artistic work. “Petrichor” is made up of heavy metal hymns in the noble tradition of Manowar, Omen, Manilla Road and Doomsword, among others. Yet none of these songs fall short; on the contrary, each one is a creation of singular inspiration, proudly bearing the unmistakable seal of these Greek epic metallers. The lyrics, emotion and atmosphere of Battleroar’s sixth album transport us to bygone ages of heroism, placing us on blood-soaked battlefields and calling on us to fight fiercely for our ideals. Overall, we are dealing with a flawless album that raises the flag of epic heavy metal high, continuing the tradition of quality that Battleroar themselves have established. This is songwriting and storytelling of truly incredible caliber.
♦ 9/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
