Stray Gods – Olympus

Strayed Gods return with their sophomore album, “Olympus,” promising a continuation of their brand of riff-heavy, Maiden-inspired traditional metal. Does “Olympus” reach the heights of the gods, or fall flat on Mount Disappointment? Let’s grab our metaphorical climbing picks and delve into this track-by-track review.

A Journey Through Traditional Metal Glory:

• Out of Nowhere (3:42): The album explodes with a breathless introduction, setting the pace for a high-octane ride. Blazing guitars and pounding drums create a sense of urgency, while vocalist Damien Forge delivers a powerful performance that immediately recalls Bruce Dickinson in his prime. The lyrics establish the band’s identity, declaring their allegiance to classic metal.
• Ghost From The Future (4:17): The classic metal spirit continues here. A galloping riff and soaring guitar leads propel the listener forward, while Forge’s vocals maintain their impressive range and power. The lyrics delve into themes of resilience and facing down one’s fears, a common trope in metal.
• Fortunes Favors The Bold (5:12): A shift in mood emerges. The tempo slows slightly, allowing space for a more melodic and anthemic approach. Forge delivers a passionate vocal performance, urging the listener to seize the day. The lyrics offer a message of empowerment and self-belief, a theme that resonates with many metal fans.
• Angels of Light (4:58): The Iron Maiden influence is undeniable here. A galloping riff reminiscent of “Run to the Hills” forms the foundation, while Forge channels his inner Bruce Dickinson with impressive results. The lyrics explore themes of rebellion and fighting against oppression, a classic heavy metal subject.
• No Looking Back (4:23): The album injects a dose of adrenaline. Fast tempos, soaring guitar solos, and a pummeling drum performance create a sense of headbanging euphoria. Forge’s vocals are at their most aggressive, perfectly capturing the song’s energetic spirit. The lyrics are a call to arms, urging the listener to embrace the future without fear.
• Machine Messiah (5:07): A touch of progressive influence emerges. The song features tempo changes, intricate guitar work, and a prominent bass line. Forge showcases his vocal versatility, shifting from powerful shouts to soaring high notes. The lyrics explore the dangers of technology and our dependence on it, offering a more thought-provoking theme.
• Temples on Fire (4:32): The album returns to a more traditional metal approach. A catchy riff and soaring vocals create a sense of anthemic glory. The lyrics, though open to interpretation, evoke a sense of rebellion and defiance. This track is a perfect example of Stray Gods’ ability to write memorable songs that harken back to the golden age of metal.
• Olympus (5:18): The title track closes the album with a soaring epic. The song features a majestic intro, powerful riffs, and a guest vocal appearance (possibly a tribute to a metal legend?). Forge delivers a triumphant vocal performance, leaving the listener with a sense of closure and satisfaction. The lyrics, though cryptic, likely reference the album’s title and the mythological mountain home of the Greek gods.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“Olympus” is a celebration of everything that makes traditional metal great. Stray Gods deliver a potent blend of catchy riffs, soaring vocals, and energetic drumming, all delivered with a reverence for the genre’s founding fathers. The songwriting is strong, with each track offering something memorable. Forge proves himself a worthy heir to the vocal throne of classic metal legends. The production is clear and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine through the mix.

A minor point to consider: Listeners seeking a more original or experimental sound might find “Olympus” a bit too derivative. The album’s heavy reliance on Iron Maiden’s influence might feel repetitive to some.

However, for fans of traditional metal and those yearning for a shot of pure, unadulterated headbanging fun, “Olympus” is a must-listen. Stray Gods prove that sometimes the best way to honor the past is to create music that captures its spirit with passion and energy. This album is a worthy addition to any traditional metal fan’s collection and a strong contender for album of the year.