The 2014 version of The Awakening is a remasterted re-issue from Shadow Kingdom Records. The album was originally recorded many years ago in 1986 by a band called Powerlord. Powerlord were a 80's U.S. speed/power/thrash metal group and this was to be their only release. Taken from the original master tapes The Awakening has been given the appropriate treatment to give Powerlord's album its second life so to speak while still sounding very 80's. The six tracks sure do make you think of the possibilities if this group had of actually continued, as Powerlord weren't your below average metal band. But without any further releases The Awakening that potential wasn't to be realised, and so this is your one and only opportunity to hear their songs and now with that improved sound on this re-issue.
Powerlord were Dane Cook on vocals, guitarist Tony Gourley, bass player Brian Massey and drummer Bob Gourley and together they were a formidable metal act. "Master Of Death" and "Malice" remind of another 80's groups who are still rocking today, that is Vicious Rumors and Helstar. For the most part Powerlord keep the momentum raised with the exception of "Silent Terror" the slowest and still heavy track that features a cool extended guitar solo.
Maybe the production didn't do Powerlord's material the justice it deserved the first time around, as in its new state The Awakening would have slotted right in with the releases of the day.
Track Listing
1. Masters of Death
2. Malice
3. Silent Terror
4. The Invasion of the Lords
5. Merciless Titans
6. (The Awakening)