Megaton Sword
Might & Power
. Almost absurdly titled in its elegant simplicity, Might & Power might seem on the surface a reiteration of their true-as-steel HEAVY METAL, and to a large degree, thats correct - MEGATON SWORD are still drunk on high fantasy and the enduring themes of conquest and valor, triumph and tragedy - but the deceptively expansive album sees the now-quintet stretching their sturdy sound in directions more dynamic and extreme. When was the last time you heard actual blastbeats on a true-metal album? Well, youll certainly find em here on Might & Power and probably not bat an eyelash, for MEGATON SWORD wield all their weapons effortlessly. What about 70s singer-songwriter melodrama, plaintive piano and all? Same here: while far more subtle, the integration of softer, rock-oriented textures makes their metal all the more enduring - and exciting. For if theres one guiding theme that earmarks Might & Power as MEGATON SWORDs arguably greatest recording, its that the drama is windswept but undeniably human, in all its myriad hues; this may be heavy metal after all, but its not "only heavy metal." Put another way, MEGATON SWORD so deeply understand that mystery of steel that they know when to sheath their (sonic) swords and offer a weathered hand, gently raising up their fallen comrades. Much credit goes to vocalist Uzzy Unchained, whose pipes poignantly narrate this evocative shift.