Metal Underground.com

Aussie band Dragsonsclaw unleashes its ten track debut LP “Prophecy,” which represents a shining beacon of traditional metal from down under. As soon as Giles Lavery kicks in with the opening scream of “Darkness Within,” it immediately conjures images of up hot summers in the 80’s, when Agent Steel and Jag Panzer ruled the college airwaves and washing my dad’s car to build up a big enough allowance to buy one album at the local Record World. Times may have changed (I cannot recall the last time I purchased less than five albums in one order), but “The Prophecy” has the feel of an album lost in the ice. Dragonsclaw has successfully captured the essence, sound, and production of times long past, which may be a potential turn off for modern metalheads. However, this old timer still has a soft spot for traditional metal done in a vintage style.

Highly delectable tracks on the album include “Devil’s Fiery Dance,” “Life through Anubis Eyes” and personal favorite “Defenders of the Sky,” which features some guest vocals by Eden’s Curse keyboardist Alessando Del Vecchio. Lavery has a propensity to sing ultra-high for the near entirety of the release (imagine John Cyriis singing his peak scream from “The Rager” for the entirety of “Unstoppable Force”), which raises the overall intensity level of the release, albeit a bit trying on the skull at points. For the few times he does come down from the rafters, his lower level range is spot on for Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin. The album gets an added boost from former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley (Wolfsbane) on the track “Prophecy is a Lie,” a power duet at its very best.

Bucking the trend of the ‘80’s sound a bit is the near nine minute track “Revolutionary Suicide,” which makes solid use of choir and keyboards in the middle adding a nice touch. Highly skilled guitarist Ben Thomas pulls off catchy galloping riffs and well performed solos that make this release an instant traditional metal classic.

For those fans with a longing for the timeless traditional metal approach seasoned with influences from 80’s U.S. metal, then Dragonsclaw will grab your interest and have you headbanging and throwing horns to the metal gods. “Prophecy” is a highly enjoyable debut from a very talented band.