Year : 2026 (No Remorse Records Digipak Edition)
Style : Epic Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : Greece
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 134 mb
Bio:
Battleroar is a traditional epic heavy metal band formed in Athens in September 2000.The roots of the band’s style sink deep into the sound of legendary 80s American and European bands such as Manilla Road, Omen, Cirith Ungol, Brocas Helm, Manowar, Jag Panzer and Heavy Load. The band’s name was in fact taken from the lyrics to Heavy Load’s song ‘Singing Swords’ (‘I loved the Battleroar’).Their first album Battleroar (2005) and their second album Age of Chaos (2006) were received very well in the metal underground. In 2008 the third album ‘To Death and Beyond’ was released and it received excellent reviews worldwide. Battleroar is also known for being a good live band and they have played all over Europe, including Spain, Italy, Ireland, Belgium and Germany.In 2009 the band parted ways with guitar player Manolis Karazeris and vocalist Marco Concoreggi. They were temporarily replaced by Stelios Sovolos on guitar and John Papanikolaou (ex Innerwish) on vocals. This line-up played some shows in Holland and Greece.In September 2010 the band announced that Antreas Sotiropoulos (Everdome, Wolfcry) is the permanent new guitar player.Currently the band is working on new music and rehearsing every week, while searching thoroughly for a new singer that they feel is right for the band.
Album:
6th full-length album.After nigh on eight years since Codex Epicus, Battleroar are back with their sixth full-length album, Petrichor. Before diving into the details, I must first admit that I’ve been a huge fan of this band for over 20 years and must make an extra effort to add a layer of objectivity to an otherwise very subjective review process.For those who are unfamiliar, Battleroar have been providing a unique spin on the much debated “epic metal” subgenre since 2000. This subgenre, while hotly disputed as to its veracity, can best be defined as USPM combined with doom and fantasy elements despite this designation also being somewhat inaccurate. Those who accept the legitimacy of this subgenre often associate bands such as Cirith Ungol, Manilla Road, Doomsword, Dexter Ward (comprising former Battleroar members), Megaton Sword, Fer de Lance, Ironsword, Wotan, and others with the subgenre or to each other. At the very least, using the term “epic metal” in conversation can either signify that you don’t know your subgenres or you love many of these bands listed above. A risky move in some circles but it can have excellent payoff in the right company.Back to the topic at hand – Battleroar’s album, Petrichor. I was a bit hesitant when this album was announced since half of the members have yet to appear on any Battleroar records, including the new singer, Michalis Karasoulis. Fortunately, Kostas Tzortzis has been the backbone of the band since its inception and has ensured the songwriting, musicianship, singing, and production remain top-notch. The first thing I noticed was a perfect continuation of the dark, fantastical, sorrowful, and occasionally menacing atmosphere that Battleroar typically cultivates. While there are uplifting moments like the chorus of “The Missing Note,” a majority of this album is tinged with a gloomy sadness that evokes images of crumbling castles and wounded warriors perfect for mid-paced rhythms overlaid with beautiful violin melodies. The songs themselves offer a variety of memorable riffs, melodic solos, varied structures, and mid-range vocals that soar above the instruments. I must admit that Michalis is the perfect replacement for Gerrit Mutz who in turn was the perfect replacement for Marco Concoreggi.As a fan, I have virtually no complaints but be forewarned that the songs tend to stay mid-paced and follow a similar theme. This band may not be for everyone, but fans of the genre should definitely check out Petrichor, particularly those who enjoy doom, power, USPM, and the ever-growing trad scene. It’s impossible for me to rank Battleroar albums and this one is up there with their best; fingers crossed that their fanbase grows and they reach the status they have earned from over a quarter century of outstanding music.
Line-Up:
Michalis Karasoulis - Vocals (2025-present)
Kostas Tzortzis - Guitars (2000-present) - See also: ex-Arpyian Horde
Zack Kotsikis - Guitars (2023-present) - See also: Thelemite
Loukas Libertos - Bass (2023-present)
George Tsinanis - Drums (2018-present) - See also: ex-Heathendom
Alex Papadiamantis - Violin
Tracklist:
01. The Last Mythkeeper 01:12
02. The Missing Note 04:47
03. Atē, Hybris, Nemesis 07:41
04. Legacy of Suffering (Flagellants) 04:56
05. The Earth Remembers, the Rain Forgives 07:27
06. What Is Best in Life? 07:03
07. Chaosbane 07:12
08. Wield the Myth 07:07
09. Storm Inside 05:45 (Bonus Track)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
