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Cyberblade

      
         
         
         
     
             
Shadow Warrior are a heavy metal band from Poland formed in 2019, releasing their debut E.P. 'Return Of The Shadow Warrior' later the same year. The bands first full length album 'Cyberblade' was released in 2020.    
             
With lyrical themes based around the history and culture of Japan, 'Return Of The Shadow Warrior' E.P. made a big impact locally, selling out within two weeks of release. Gaining attention worldwide, the E.P. was re-released across Europe, South America, and Asia. The band recorded their debut album 'Cyberblade' during the summer of 2020. Released at the end of the year, the album clocks in at just over half an hour in length, and contains eight new songs. Opening the album is the title song 'Cyberblade'. A spoken word intro precedes the song, which is a fast paced slice of "foot on the monitor" heavy metal, heavily reminiscent of British legends Girlschool. A definite eighties feel surrounds 'Cyberblade' (the song), appealing to fans of the iconic NWOBHM sound. 'Demolition Hammer' increases the pace, but keeps the feet firmly planted on those iconic monitors. Heading towards the speed metal genre, 'Demolition Hammer' features an aggression filled vocal rasp from the bands singer Anna Klos.    
             
The classic sound of the NWOBHM fills the air, as 'Iron Hawk Rising' takes flight, and proceeds forth with all the majesty of early eighties protagonists Angel Witch, Raven, and Samson. Shadow Warrior may be from Poland, but they have certainly taken the aura of the British heavy metal sound to heart. Their debut album is gonna appeal to the metal traditionalists, and those that favour the NWOBHM sound. Quickening the pace once more, the band fairly rip through 'I Am The Thunder'. The band speed quickly through torrents of thunder, fire, and brimstone, with listeners all over the world head banging hard at a mighty furious pace. And amazingly, 'Squadrons Of Steel' picks up the pace even more - injecting a little bit more venom and menace. The blend of speed and traditional metal is splendid, making for a breathless listening experience.    
             
Adopting a more anthemic feel than anything heard so far, 'Demon's Sword' is a majestic mid tempo swagger in the vein of Manowar. The slower pace, the heavier rhythm, the foot stomping attitude - it's all reminiscent of the epic and glory styles of metal. 'Headless Riders' returns the album to the all out, balls out speed of earlier, with increased fire and brimstone. The band haven't stopped for a breather, the album a relentless barrage of breathless heavy metal. And with a mellow intro ala Iron Maiden, the albums final hurrah is the epic and hugely atmospheric 'Flight Of The Steel Samurai'. Not as long as some of the epics from the British legends, but it still packs the same kinda punch - infectious and sing a long able, and a highly memorable end to a very good album.    
             
Overall, a breathless blast of traditional heavy metal, blending in traits from the speed, and anthemic styles of metal to great effect.    
             
             
Review by Iron Mathew Collins    
             
Reviewed for Metal Gods TV    
             
             
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