Holy Dragons - Zerstorer

Holy Dragons

Zerstorer

by Katarzyna Zakolska at 20 December 2012, 8:04 PM

HOLY DRAGONS are band from Almaty in Kazakhstan. This band exists since 1992. They have many releases since then, including albums, singles and EPs. Their new album “Zerstörer” was recently released via Pitch Black Records. They have been trying to mixt different styles of Metal ranging from traditional through Power and Speed Metal. Beforehand, meaning after the first listen, I thought that this album was nothing special, but after giving it a few more chances, I believe that there is something there, a hidden potential ready to burst. Therefore, I have changed my rate to 6 (And I won't let you know how much I gave it prior to my current rating).

On “HL7442” there is that IRON MAIDEN direction, a well thought out scheme, harmonies and nice vocals. The same attributes also occur on“DEFCON 1 / Zerstörer”.Annexing after the instrumental 2 minute bypass of "F.R.A.G.I.L.E" is the crushing “NORAD Alert” characterized of fast tempo, MAIDENish guitars and tuneful vocals. Influences of PRIMAL FEAR are listenable on"Doomsday Angels”. This track is full of energy with some nice guitar solos. Feel that the musicians fight for the glory of Heavy Metal. The epic"The Man Who Saved the World / Crush Of Chrome Dome” is a solid song with interesting ideas starting off with an acoustic guitar followed by a heavier admission with shifting tempos and fine melodic guitars. Fast paced drumming surge through"Project A119” again with a great guitar sound and an impressive backing vocals. Yet, I have to admit that I didn't feel the same about the lead vocalist's singing that seemed tiresome.

Some elements of JUDAS PRIEST can be found on “M.A.D. Mutual Assured Destruction / AN602 – Wind Of Hate” that begins with a soft spot displaying wonderful acoustic guitars to be later shadowed by a hard ride containing fast rhythm section and heavy and melodic riffing.. The longest song this album is called “Cuban Crisis / Insomnia” and lasts over 14 minutes, quite an epic spectacle. The funny thing is that the first two riffs reminded me bits and pieces taken off the old famous video game “Super Mario”. This epic song is worth listening as it combines distinctive ideas along with various musical aspects.

In my opinion on this album there are listenable defects. HOLY DRAGONS need a better production, typically when it comes to the production of the drums that were barely listenable. If these songs would have been better polished this album would have sounded way superior. In addition, I believe that the vocalist should work on improving his voice. No doubt that he put up efforts, but sometimes his voice seemed squeaky, rather annoying. HOLY DRAGONS tried to play by their influences fairly well, but with all their experience, their creation sounded a bit amateurish and unresolved.