Not a group to leave their fans waiting for extended periods between releases it's now time for the third album from the metal historians Civil War. In 2012 this Swedish melodic power/heavy metal band came to be after four ex. Sabaton members teamed up with vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights, Lion's Share). Like fellow country men Sabaton Civil War are also inspired by historical conflicts and the title of their latest album The Last Full Measure was taken from the trio of books "The Civil War Trilogy". Actually the titles of the other two novels in this trilogy "The Killer Angels" and "Gods and Generals" are the those of Civil War's prior two albums. As such The Last Full Measure represents the final chapter in this series although this isn't the only subject matter. Of course Civil War aren't the first metal group to tackle the American Civil War as Iced Earth took the subject matter on board and delivered big time with The Glorious Burden in 2004.
Civil War are on the "Road To Victory" with their power metal in full flight, vibrant drumming, soaring keyboards, animated guitars and Johansson's distinctive vocals. The powerful "Deliverance" alternates that pace and "Savannah" mixes it up also, whilst "Tombstone" is a clever track that alternates an oompah like style with stirring power metal. Civil War put the brakes on somewhat for the catchy melodic track "A Tale That Never Should Be Told" and unleash a metallic storm for "Gladiator". One of this albums strongest inclusions "People Of The Abyss" features an enticing metal groove and title track "The Last Full Measure" has a strong showing on both the guitar and keyboard fronts. All up it's another triumph for Civil war so if you liked those two prior albums then The Last Full Measure is most surely a safe bet.
Track Listing
1. Road To Victory
2. Deliverance
3. Savannah
4. Tombstone
5. America
6. A Tale That Never Should Be Told
7. Gangs Of New York
8. Gladiator
9. People Of The Abyss
10. The Last Full Measure