A Year In Reviews…
Looking back on the reception of our FIRST full length album, AGE OF REVOLUTION. It’s been an amazing year with the release of our FIRST full length album, AGE OF REVOLUTION on M-Theory Audio. The support from all the old and new fans was tremendous and a lot of the media out there seemed to appreciate it too! Check out some of the great reviews from around the globe and know that you were part of our story in the very beginning! Thank you so much to everyone who purchased the record or some kind of merchandise. You are what keep this thing a reality for us. Keep spreading the shred and we’ll see you in 2019!
Age of Revolution Album Reviews:
MetalSucks
“Holy fucking shit, man. Talk about epic…”
“Immortal Guardian make some seriously epic symphonic power metal that throws in elements from all over the metal spectrum. We have power metal highs and death metal screams on top of keyboards and even some djenty staccato riffs here and there. It’s a different take on epic metal and it’s definitely something that will interest you…”
“I’m not sure I’ve heard anything quite this varied before but I’ve gotta say I dig it.”
Angry Metal Guy - 4 out of 5
“Refreshingly concise and engagingly written, Age of Revolution offers more thoughtful themes and exhilarating moments than someone like Yngwie Malmsteen could ever hope to achieve.”
“Immortal Guardian uses this record as a playground to explore several tonal varieties of prog/power metal, and there isn’t a track to be found that I would not call a winner.“
“This consistent level of engagement is only possible because Immortal Guardian places strong songwriting before instrumental showmanship.”
“The strong constructions are supported by the most politically conscious lyrics I’ve maybe ever heard from a power metal record. Neither historical atrocities (“Trail of Tears”) nor sensitive, modern-day societal issues (“Hunters”) are left untouched. As IG tackles these topics head-on without ever veiling them in metaphor, the bombastic, DragonForce-like nature of the latter number feels oddly fitting and makes it one of the most intriguing power metal tracks in recent memory.”
“AoR‘s lyrics are powerfully delivered by one Carlos Zema, who—and I say this without a trace of hyperbole—may be the single most diverse vocalist to ever grace the power metal genre.”
“Drummer Cody Gilliand is an absolute machine as well, navigating the wide range of demanding material with an abundance of smoothly implemented fills and blast beats…”
“Immortal Guardian has an amazing knack for arranging dynamic compositions in such a way that there is always some melody or instrumental flourish to latch onto, resulting in an album that is supremely confident and perfectly paced. AoR is also one of a small handful of power metal albums I’ve heard this year that actually gives a shit about doing something interesting with the genre, and is currently my front-runner for power metal record o’ the year. From where I’m standing, few albums have a shot at overthrowing its standing.”
Metal Assylum - 9.5 out of 10
“Age of Revolution,” the new release from Immortal Guardian, is destined for many Best of the Year lists”
“This is Power Metal that hasn’t forgotten the Power… what Power Metal needs to sound like in 2018: smart, ferocious, melodic, inventive, lively, and all-encompassing, performed with an abundance of hypertalent.
“...Daring, deep, adventurous, poignant, relevant, international, musically diverse.”
“I’ve been a fan of Carlos Zema since his turn as lead vocalist for Outworld, and if anything, he’s upped his game for Immortal Guardian. He brings a multitude of incredible voices to the mic; most prominently focusing on his standard Power Metal Tenor-Baritone, but also sometimes raising the stakes to Halford-esque screeches, while at other time, dive-bombing into a resonant growl.”
“Gabriel is a Virtuoso - - with a capital Flying V, blending Electrical Classical styles with Power Metal and occasional Latin elements.”
“The “Age of Revolution” album is consistently good, from note 1 of the instrumental intro, straight through to the end, getting better and better as it progresses.”
“Immortal Guardian have leapt onto the Power Metal stage with “Age of Revolution.” They should lead the next generation into the future and beyond.”
Metal Temple - 10 out of 10
“Tales say astonishing power metal records only come exclusively from Europe. American power quartet IMMORTAL GUARDIAN says enough for that with their forthcoming album “Age of Revolution”. Parading complex mixtures of different musical styles, big melodies, technical rhythms and unconventional combos, this album is specifically created to blow your mind, drop your jaw and melt your face.”
“The album is a ten-track, 48-minute long treat of epicness, explosiveness, intensity, and even insanity at times. This album managed to create some of the most unconventional combination of styles while keeping a power metal spirit.”
“Cody’s work on the drums and harsh vocals is also a highlight and a big asset of the album. His titanic blast beats and his share of death growls are mainly responsible for the record’s overall aggressive appeal.
“Among all performances in this album, the guitars and keys are most stellar. Behind these instruments is only one man – Gabriel Guardian. He shreds neoclassical guitar solos a’la Yngwie Malmsteen, and masterfully plays the keyboards in a very elegant manner. We know a lot of artists can do this, but what made him so special is that he can do those AT THE SAME TIME. He is simply crazy talented. One can say that he is an absolute mad genius on his instruments.”
“The production is also excellent, the songs sound as if it were meant to be played in large stadiums.
“I can say easily that this is the best album I heard for this year so far. This is one of those masterpieces that will not only jump up the band, but also its whole genre. With this kind of performance, IMMORTAL GUARDIAN has a sure spot in the bright future of power metal.
“The album deserves a 20/10 rating, but yeah, of course that’s not possible, so the best I can give is 10/10. If you want to add another opus magnum to your collection, go ahead and buy the record.”
Metal Utopia - 7 out of 10
“Technicality, diversity and power. These three words roughly summarize Immortal Guardian’s new album Age of Revolution. What stands out the most after listening to the album a few times is that the band members are extremely skilled musicians, not only in playing their instruments, but also in composing music with a wide variety of instruments.”
“Besides the band’s great skill in playing instruments, the vocals are also worth mentioning. There’s so many different kinds of voices, all coming from the same singer, Carlos Zema. He can switch between a deep voice, very high notes, harmonies with multiple voices and even grunting, sometimes even within one song.“
“After a while, a flamenco-like guitar and drum beat start playing, building up the tension in the song and after a bridge with double vocals that remind of System of a Down, there’s an epic chorus, with layered vocals, an awesome guitar riff and a powerful drum beat, taking the term ‘power ballad’ to a whole new level.”
“In conclusion, Age of Revolution is a really diverse power metal/progressive metal album that definitely doesn’t get repetitive.”
Your Last Rites
“This record is fucking absurd… In the very best kind of way.”
“...a level of dexterity that borders on inhuman”
“Jazz noir, Flamenco and a teensy bit of 8-bit.”
“This thing shreds like a twelve-necked Michael Angelo Batio Dean guitar.”
“...vocalist Carlos Zema (ex-Outworld) has an amazing range and more passion for delivering heavy words than 98% of active power vocalists out there.”
“Immortal Guardian essentially sounds like the band a cartoon hero might front. Accordingly, the level of skill on display is through the roof, and because of all the polyrhythms, polymeter, syncopation and other shred elements involving “y’s,” it almost sounds as if that talent is so wildly innate that the band could pull it off while falling down an escalator.”
“Age Of Revolution has an otherworldly flair that’s packed with cautionary tales and twists on current affairs—everything from the serious but not deadly serious issue of surviving as a professional musician in the modern age (“Aeolian”) to the truly lethal concern of police brutality as delivered through one of the album’s most turbulent tracks, “Hunters.””
“Age Of Revolution is blazing, contagious and exhilarating, just as a good power metal record should be, and the added ostentation that invariably accompanies great shred gives the entire endeavor the extra wow factor necessary for assured longevity.”
The Grim Tower - 9 out of 10
“...a mixture of Into Eternity, Helloween and Dragonforce.”
“The band are incredibly skilled, which is an understatement to be brutally honest – the guitar work here is as magnificent as the keyboard playing, which reminds me of only some of the greatest keyboardists in the metal genre.”
“...fans of extreme power metal in the vein of Dragonforce will like this, though it doesn’t come off cheesy and features more of an intellectual proggy vibe.”
BattleHelm - 4 out of 5
“There is a positive vibe to this that I like. It gets me in a happy mood listening to this… A cool record indeed.”
KKSM Radio - 8.5 out of 10
“One of the better power metal albums to come out in recent years and Immortal Guardian is band everyone should keep on eye on.”
Metal Gods TV - 8 out of 10
“ epic sounding mix of power metal, thrash metal and Dragonforce-esque guitars”
“The musicians are great and have honed their craft. The vocals go from clean, to screaming to grunting/growling and there are some sing-along choruses here too.
“All in all, this is a fantastic debut from Immortal Guardian and hopefully, we shall be hearing more from them.”
Dead Rhetoric - 8.5 out of 10
“The type of power metal that seems to attract fans outside the ‘usual’ power metal spectrum…”
“Frantic, brutal, and technical all come to mind here, with enough oomph that those who tend to avoid the genre due to its clichés are still bound to stand up at attention”
“But above all, you will want to return to this one due to the sheer amount of shred. It’s ever-present, and while it’s flashy it still maintains purpose and heart. The meaningful wow-factor is one that never really dissipates with additional listens…”
“Immortal Guardian make good on their previous releases with a real whopper in Age of Revolution. It’s got the presence and technicality that power/prog fans crave, yet an emboldened sound and ferocity at times that should help them reel in the extreme crowd as well. Excellent stuff.”
Hellfire Magazine
“...reminds a bit of Stratovarius with its melody and backing vocals.”
“IMMORTAL GUARDIAN have made a strong debut with "Age Of Revolution", where fans of virtuoso Power Metals are served well.”
Undead Goathead - 4 out of 5
“Soaring power metal vocals, wailing guitars, triumphant melodies, and just enough distortion to hint at thrash and death metal influences”
“This band experiments with several unexpected genres, including folk music and flamenco. Somehow, it works.”
“The album art is reminiscent of classic Iron Maiden record sleeves. The logo is another nostalgic throwback, alluding to the fantasy inspired designs of early metal bands.”
“Eccentric instrumental interludes, nice contrast between clean singing and more brutal screams, catchy rhythm and fast tempo. This is metal in all of its demon fighting, dragon slaying glory. It’s beautiful yet brutal.”
“Even with all of their melodic majesty, there is still a bittersweet tinge of sorrow and righteous anger in these songs... The range is impressive, spanning the depths of hell to the heights of heaven in a single measure.”
“Age of Revolution is a great album, fun and exciting to listen to. The upbeat energy takes unexpected twists and turns. This release was highly entertaining and vibrant.”
Metal Express Radio - 8 out of 10
“With their mix of modern, aggressive metal vocals and traditional, more Hard Rock based melodic passages, on Age Of Revolution Immortal Guardian finds a nice balance between contemporary and classic metal styles.”
“The impressive vocal chops of Carlos Zema are on display here and although his performance shines, the underlying material is strong enough to avoid being overshadowed by his substantial presence.”
“... the perfect delivery and noteworthy chops of this 4-piece will keep most listeners glued to the speakers.”
Moshpit Nation
“This album rips!!!”
“...the music itself caught me, but the lyrical content… really hammered the project home for me.”
Musically, the album is everything you want from your power metal. Major chords, rising action, near operatic clean vocals, all masterfully pulled off.”
“Carlos Zema proves himself an excellent vocalist, singing with power and range… Zema is top-notch.”
“Taken on it’s own, the album is pretty near flawless. When I’m looking for something more upbeat, soaring even, I expect this will remain one of a handful of go-to releases.”
The Independent Voice - 3.5 out of 5 (UK)
“Part of the appeal of Guardian is the way they effortlessly blend so many styles together.”
“Some of IG’s best playing is arguably in the bluesy outro section of ‘Never To Return’. There’s no shame in playing slowly and with heartfelt emotion, even in a metal band. These guys prove it works and should have done it more.”
“The detuned guitars and rampant drumming... give the genre some much needed modernising.”
“These people don’t copy others... this album is definitely worth buying”
Zware Metalen - 69 out of 100
“The album also contains a lot of death metal elements and more blast beats than I ever heard in this genre.”
HardRockInfo.com
“Good old power/heavy metal…. This debut album is full of good songs.”
Austin Chronicle:
The Median Man Blog:
