SACRED BLOOD – Argonautica
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 12-06-2015
Digging into Greek history, mythology, and pagan times for their lyrical stance, the epic power metal trio Sacred Blood develop their third album "Argonautica" in a tradition set forth from Manowar or Virgin Steele meets Teutonic power a la Wizard or Paragon – adding in symphonic keyboard strains at odd times to build atmosphere and tension. The problem is, the main riffs languish in plodding, familiar hooks, the vocals are adequate but by no means aurally satisfying, and a lot of tempos drive the epic feel into the ground- rarely elevating anything into the ‘must hear it again and again’ category.
The galloping, double bass oriented "Legacy of the Lyre" (featuring a cool, somber folk instrumental break) and dramatic "Friend or Foe" are the two highlights, but the rest of "Argonautica" doesn’t possess the right musical/vocal punch to get Sacred Blood much of a wide following.