Battleroar - Codex Epicus

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When we get bored from the titans of Metal genres, a good choice could be to hear another genre, or search for new bands in the underground scene. In doing that, we can find valuable bands, and some others that still have to be lapidated to show the true value of their musical works. Names like Greek quintet BATTLEROAR are some of those that need to be worked to show their true talent. On “Codex Epicus,” it’s clear why I say that. They play into an Epic Heavy/Power Metal way, using very good melodies, a sober instrumental technique, and they show a lot of talent to do what they do in their musical work. Although they aren’t creating something new, they have guts and personality, playing this old genre with the same energy of teenagers in their prime. But they need to be lapidated, because some musical arrangements on their songs could be better.

On the sound quality, we have a crude sound, that isn’t bad at all, but isn’t 100% compatible with the band’s musical genre. They need something cleaner, with a better and sharp quality, because this rawness really can cause us all a wrong idea about their music. Repeating in a shorter way what I said: it’s not bad, but it could be better. They have a good set of songs, indeed, using a heavier insight that comes from NWOBHM bands (especially IRON MAIDEN), along with an epic feeling. And songs as “We Shall Conquer” with its fine melodies, very good chorus and excellent work from bass guitar and drums; the climatic and introspective “Sword of the Flame” (that shows the guest appearance of MANILLA ROAD’s guitarist/vocalist Mark Shelton in some moments), the heavier and melodic “The Doom of Medusa”, the amazing energy that comes from the guitars on “Kings of Old”, and the fine vocals (that needs to be worked as well, because they are good and have good tunes, but doesn’t fit 100% on their songs) are their best moments. But the entire album is good.

I truly recommend them to hire a good producer on their next album, to extract from them their best performance. For now, “Codex Epicus” is a good album.

Originality: 6
Songwriting: 8
Memorability: 7
Production: 6