Apparently, Swedish metallers Manimal don’t like being called a power metal band and I must agree with them. To me they sound like a classic metal band, think of a combination of Judas Priest, King Diamond, Queensryche and Machine Head and you’re not far away from the sound of Manimal, named after the classic W.A.S.P. song maybe?

The imagery of the band lends itself to King Diamond and the whole Norwegian Black metal scene. Armageddon is a fitting title for the latest release for the band with its apocalyptic song themes. Before we get to the music though, I must mention the album covers amazing artwork by Stan W. Decker.  It’s a cross between Meat Loaf’s ‘Bat Out of Hell’ and the Terminator! A proper metal album cover. I would have bought the album for the cover alone!

Opening track ‘Burn in Hell’  begins with an atmospheric build up before a full-on metal assault with a huge riff, double bass barrages and some fantastic Halfordesque vocals from Samuel Nyman who really sounds incredible here. ‘Chains of Fury’ is a real highlight with its mid-paced chugging riff, more vocal acrobatics, and some fantastic melodic soloing from guitarist Henrik Stenroos. ‘Forged in Metal’ sounds like a track that could have been on Priest’s classic ‘Painkiller’ album. I really can’t emphasise enough how good Nyman sounds on this album. His range is incredible.

A strong metal album with plenty to keep hardcore metal fans happy. Great musicianship, songs that are not too long and great production from the band themselves make this a very enjoyable listen.

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Author: Kenny Kendrick