Omnislash "Call To Arms" Album review

         Omnislash is a hard rock band from Maryland, they formed in 2012 and sent me in their album "Call To Arms." The album is very well put together and extremely enjoyable to listen to. Any fans of classic metal bands like Iron Maiden will absolutely love this band. They are staying true to the origins of metal in releasing an album that would even cause Bruce Dickinson himself to shed a tear. Between the epic power chords, killer solos and high pitched vocal cries the album will have you out of your seat and dancing like a maniac no matter where you are.

The first song I listened to on the record is entitled "Burning In The Night" the intro is soft and peaceful and for some reason reminds me of the opening scene of the Lord Of The Rings when we are being introduced to the shire. But dont get to comfortable with the peace and tranquility because a killer guitar solo bases this song right open. Followed by the aggressive lead vocals and violent drum patterns it will become an instant favourite with anyone fortunate enough to be listening to this song. The lyrics are angry and the chorus is exceptionally anthemic and will have you chanting along in no time. About a third of the way into the song our faces are melted as a high pitched power solo shreds into the song leaving everyone in awe at the speed and precession of the drummer.

The next song is the title track "Call To Arms" this song gets right down to business as the opening riff is heavy and oozes anger. The methodical drum beats add an extra layer of structure to the quick and chaotic guitar loops. The vocals in "Call To Arms" start off slower then "Burning In The Night"but in no way lack the aggression that makes this band so enjoyable to listen to. Again about a third of the way into the song Omnislash rips our face off with yet another amazing guitar solo but this solo is met with an equally impressive drum pattern. The inhuman double kicks sound more like a machine gun then a musical instrument, and the quick hi hat pattern compliments the solo perfectly.

The next song Id like to highlight is "Too Young To Die" the musical intro actually reminds me of the early days of Van Halen. This song has more of a power ballad type feel to it. Thankfully though the song is not the usual high school sweetheart ballad but has some real substance to it. The emotional aspect of the song is great as the chorus will tug at everyones heart strings. Obviously I have no idea what the inspiration behind this song is but whatever it is, it sure has a lot of depth and meaning to the band and that transfers into this song.

After this the next song I really liked was called "Awakened" this song starts out extremely slow and with a touch of creepiness. The lack of instruments in the start of the song adds an entire other level to the vocals which I loved. After about twenty seconds of bleak nothingness a guitar comes out of the abyss and shreds its way back into the heart of the song. This song starts out as another power ballad but half way through the song that all changes as the instruments smash into us sending out heads into a fit of head banging. However even with the addition of these other instruments the song does not loose its anthemic feel or steady rhythm that gave the song an extremely memorable start.

Then the last song on the album is entitled :"The Accolade" this song by far has the most creepy and disturbing intro with a deep and menacing voicing starting the song out. Then the musical intro to the song starts and the drum pattern reminds me of the beginning march of warriors as they walk to the battlefield. Then I kid you not the most epic riff I have ever heard comes into the track like a derailed train. A mixture of metal, classical music and an off beat drum beat makes this my favourite song on the record by far. As the lyrics pump us up and get us invested into the song completely the drums and guitar keep hammering into us melting our face and filling us with adrenaline. This song is so epic I actually listened to it three times before I reluctantly tore myself away from the music and wrote this article. This is a must hear for all metal heads.

Omnislash delivered a very epic and aggressive album that Im sure many of you will adore, the guitar solo's alone should be reason enough to give this band a listen. But if your a skeptic just know that between the epic lyrics, quick and precise drum patterns and extremely unique intros you are in for one great ride.

Headbangers Heaven Productions.
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Eric Snelling.