Beyond the Martyrs is the third release from Pennsylvania metal act Argus. Taking the traditional metal route with galloping rhythms, soaring vocals, and tons of tasty twin lead guitars, this latest platter on Cruz Del Sur Music is a sure fire bet to resonate with plenty of metalheads who can't get enough Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, and the like. Ex-Penance vocalist Butch Balich leads the charge, his commanding pipes cutting through the thick wall of riffs and melodic lead guitar work on headbanging cuts like "No Peace Beyond the Line", "By Endurance We Conquer", and the somewhat doomy "The Coward's Path". The latter brings to mind Black Sabbath & Candlemass with the abundance of slow, crushing riffs, and Balich's vocals are just so powerful on this one. For speedier fare, check out "Cast Out All the Raging Spirits", a lively metal romp featuring a wide assortment of flashy guitar riffs & licks from Jason Mucio & Erik Johnson, who have no doubt listened to their fair share of old Thin Lizzy records.
A very solid album from a good band, Beyond the Martyrs is something to check out if you appreciate early '80s styled epic heavy metal.
Track Listing
1. By Endurance We Conquer
2. No Peace Beyond The Line
3. The Hands of Time Are Bleeding
4. Trinity
5. Four Candles Burning
6. The Coward's Path
7. Cast Out All Raging Spirits
8. Beyond The Martyrs