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Its been 5 years since the Bavarians released Lord Of Darkness and again the band had to face some line-up changes. Now they are back with Signs Of Revolution and a new singer. Well, there are other line-up changes, but a change at the microphone is always a big thing.
A short intro called The Other Side lead into the album, but with Omens Of Agony they show their real face. StormHammer is playing power metal spiced up with keyboard. The first song is forced forward by heavy riffs and fast drumming, but Mike Zotter adds a melodic vocal line. Some will say this is typical power metal and its true the Germans don't show anything new. Others might have problems with Mike's vocals, but that's mainly a matter of taste. But I confess that there is something in Mike's voice which can be annoying - at least at this song. A heavy stomping rocker is Kiss At The Abyss which shows them differently. The vocals have a deeper timbre and he adds an aggressive edge. The title track Signs Of Revolution is a powerful heavy metal song with slower passages and some 80's influenced guitars. They pick up speed for Permanent Menace, but the keyboard seems a bit out of place.... Somehow the new StormHammer remind me more of some 80's band, but I can't really fathom it... Anyway, I can enjoy the album. Balladesque they kick off Bridges To Eternity based on keyboard and vocals. Then the others join in and the track becomes a powerful bombastic ballad. Guitar-driven is From Dusk To Dawn, another heavy rocker. Quite catchy is Ride On The Razorblade, a bit anthem-like... Something which invites you to sing along. A very heavy one is the closer Calls From The Other Side - and I still try to figure out who them remind me off...
Resume: StormHammer haven't created something new, but offer a variety of powerful heavy metal tunes. And if you compare Signs Of Revolution with their previous releases then you will also discover that they changed a bit...
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