The history of US metal legends Warlord goes back to 1980, when the band was formed by guitarist William J. Tsamis and drummer Mark Zonder, and shortly after getting signed by Brian Slagel's Metal Blade label for their debut album Deliver Us in 1983. For that release, the duo were joined by lead vocalist Jack Rucker (Damien King) and keyboard player Diane Kornarens. Though a second album followed in 1984, And the cannons of Destruction Have Begun, the band quickly lost steam, as their inability to keep a secure line-up and play live dates eventually did them in. Zonder would eventually join progressive metal titans Fates Warning for their Perfect Symmetry, and the legend of Warlord would quietly fade into obscurity.
However, as we've seen from so many bands of the '70s and '80s who disappeared for many years, the lure of the reunion is never far off. Tsamis and Zonder resurrected Warlord for Rising Out of the Ashes in 2002, and The Holy Empire in 2013, but with the guitarist's death in 2021, the story of Warlord appeared to be once again terminated...or did it? Here we are in 2024, and Zonder has put together the band once again to pay tribute to the late Tsamis, along with bassist Phillip Bynoe, keyboard player Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England), vocalist Giles Lavery, and guitarist Eric Juris. Free Spirit Soar is their new album for High Roller Records, and not surprising, it sounds like Warlord. This is epic heavy metal folks, or what some might call US power metal, with lyrics about swords, sorcery, and epic battles, soaring vocals, and majestic, heavy hitting arrangements. There are plenty of grandiose metal tracks for the listener to sinkl their teeth into here, such as the galloping "Conquerors" (Keys era-Helloween fans will love this one!), the fist pumping "Behold a Pale Horse", the dramatic "The Rider", as well as other stellar tracks "Worms of the Earth", "The Bell Tolls", and the anthemic title track. Blazing guitars are everywhere, and it's always refreshing to hear Zonder bashing away to any style of music.
Ten tracks in total, and not a weak one in the bunch. Granted, this stuff does deliver a fair amount of 'cheese' for those not into this bombastic blend of classic metal and epic power metal, but if you've followed Warlord over the years, you knew that going in. What the future holds for this band remains to be seen, but Free Spirit Soar is a hell of a lot of fun and a fine addition to their short discography.
Track Listing
1)Behold a Pale Horse
2)The Rider
3)Conquerors
4)Worms of the Earth
5)The Watchman
6)Free Spirit Soar
7)The Bell Tolls
8)Alarm
9)Twin
10)Revelation XIX
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