Ravensire
The Cycle Never Ends
Formed around 2010, RAVENSIRE have built a strong reputation in the European Underground Metal movement with their two previous albums "Iron Will" (2012) and "We March Forward" (2013). Being RAVENSIREs sound genuinely devoted to the likes of OMEN, old MANOWAR, BROCAS HELM both albums have been highly acclaimed by Epic Metal fans, giving the band the boost to improve even further the songwriting process on their third opus "The Cycle Never Ends". From the cover artwork (strongly recalling John Buscemas black and white art for the "Savage Sword of Conan" 70s comic - an appropriate reading to get along with Ravensires music!) to each one of the eight songs, "The Cycle Never Ends" shows the bands reaching maturity through an astonishing intense performance, leaving no place for weakness. Among more direct tracks such as the opener "Cromlech Revelations" and "Crosshaven" the albums highlight is definitely with the "White Pillars" trilogy, "a monumental epic piece connected to the history of Sintra, famed city not far from Lisbon. At the coastline, archaeologists dig the ruins of a watchtower built in the 16th century. Contemporary manuscripts mention that, at the time, ancient written stones had been found (part I, "Eternal Sun"). Under the ruins, they find the remains of a Moorish settlement, once subdued by the invading army of King Sigurd of Norway in the beginning of the 12th century (part II, "Blood and Gold"). Finally, among the stones of the Moorish walls, the archaeologists find Roman altars and stones belonging to an ancient temple dedicated to the Sun, the Moon and the Ocean (part III, "Temple at the End of the World"). Definitely recommended for fans of OMEN and old MANOWAR!