Get ready to the feel thunderous strike from Megaton Sword with their outstanding brand new album ‘Might & Power’. Strap in and hold on tight as you are going to need to!

DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS is proud to present MEGATON SWORD’s highly anticipated second album, Might & Power, on CD, music cassette and vinyl LP formats. 

Since their auspicious birth in 2018, there’s been no stopping Switzerland’s MEGATON SWORD. As if their very moniker was a prescient stroke of genius – or, rather, a self-fulfilling prophecy – the once-quartet arrived fully formed with their glorious debut EP, Niralet, in 2019 via DYING VICTIMS. Here, virtually without warning, they evinced an ages-old sound that was wise (and wizened) well beyond their young years. Already, MEGATON SWORD knew the mystery of steel…and wielded it with a startling confidence. Which made their debut album the next year, Blood Hails Steel – Steel Hails Fire, all the more shocking: MEGATON SWORD somehow revealed new twists to that mystery of steel, and further evinced a charisma that was star-power writ large. Again released by DYING VICTIMS, it was no shock that Blood Hails Steel – Steel Hails Fire was hailed far and wide. And yet still, it seemed MEGATON SWORD were only getting started… 

And they’re not finished – not by a long shot – as testified by their second album, 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, that’s 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, you’ll 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 there’s one guiding theme that earmarks Might & Power as MEGATON SWORD’s arguably greatest recording, it’s that the drama is windswept but undeniably human, in all its myriad hues; this may be heavy metal after all, but it’s 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. 

With no hyperbole intended, MEGATON SWORD are no longer on the march. They have truly reached the halls of greatness with Might & Power. Hearing is believing, but it just might bring you to tears.

Dying Victims Productions

Review

‘The Raving Light Of Day’ opens ‘Might and Power’ with a rough and rigid mix of pounding toms and potent stomping riffs. This mid tempo teeth grinder has a great combination of meaty riffs and high lifting moments that will make the hairs on your neck stand on end. The production has an almost raw edge to it and at the moments through the song it adds an electricity to the ripping guitar tones. I love the power and energy that ‘The Raving Light Of Day’ unleashes on the listener. A fantastic start to an album!

From the distance ‘Iron Plains‘ comes into sight with a quick-picking, chorus saturated riff before transitioning into the warmth and fuzz of the big rhythms and double kicks that give the section a Spine. When Uzzy comes in on vocals I can not help but think that the deliver almost has a some what Ozzy Osbourne/ Black Sabbath vibe going on. The combination of grit, drive and Ozzy-esque vocals provides the song with atmosphere and and a slight dark undertone. Unexpectedly an oldskool black metal style drum beat breaks apart one of the rich vocal sections, showing there is no hard or fast rules to heavy metal. Heading out on riffs that kicked off the song round ‘Iron Plains‘ up nicely!

‘Power‘ sparks up like a battery that has blown up. It starts with a dirty riff that feels unearthed and alive. Tripping drums and chug chug awakens the music before sliding into the verse. I love the bareness of the verses with stripped back guitars letting the deep bass tones of Simon shine through and Uzzy’s vibrant vocal lines stand above the instrumentation. Again like previous songs his delivery is phenomenal filled with feeling and texture, his music pairs with the music perfectly. The chugging passages and dreamy guitar ideas throughout the song are perfectly placed and create this interesting and multi layered dazzle to the music. About 2 minutes 50 in the soft delicate chants of ‘power’ entwined with sailing guitars take you off into a fantasy world. The song is glossed in a hazy smog which feels somewhat enticing and inviting.

‘Coward Remain‘ is a sinister and evil beast out to get you. The hungry guitar riffs and punky drums punch you in the face straight from the start. And as your creep through the song, you get a sense that almost monstrous being is watching you, hunting like prey. Chris and Seths ability to provide such variety across the songs on ‘Might & Power’ feels like a gift and it is clear that there is nothing samey or plain about this album half way through. Coward Remain gets straight to the point with uncompromising attitude and thirst.

‘Raikaszi‘ changes the mood once again with a gently breeze, crows squawking and light hum, before transitioning into a sad, almost lost guitar melody. It evokes thoughts letting you drift away in your mind. The drum patterns from Dan and heavy guitar stabs add drama and flair to the verses before stepping up on other sections. Half way through the walking bass twangs and marching guitars give that old skool heavy metal feel which more than welcome. Big, bold and daring, ‘Raikaszi’ is an adventure drenched with emotions and feelings that will give you tingling sensation to the nerves.

‘All Wicked Schemes Unite‘ is next up and if you like to head bang this could be the perfect opportunity. Acoustic guitars start things off before slowly being submerged in heavy, earth shaking, guitar grating riffs that will make you want to through hair around and break a neck bone or two. The use of acoustic guitars in places helps to break the song up. This is notable around 3 minute 25 in with slow trudging of the drums and bass backed by the acoustic vibrations that swirl around. Uzzy gives us a slightly theatrical delivery as the music builds up, gaining moment in tempo and musical ideas before a thunderous charge is injected with the outro section.

Might is simply a powerhouse of a song. Get ready to take off like a rocket with a barrage of double kicks and frantic rhythms before shaking things up with more stomping like an angry giant. It has plenty of tempo changes, swagger and attitude that combined are a delicious concoction that will make you want to listen to this song over and over. Imagine a room of metal heads headbanging in unison making the stage barrier dangerously shake and you have ‘Might’. Once again Megaton Sword strike with their blade and leave you with a mark that still burns!

Babe Eternal brings the album to a close after what has been an epic adventure. It starts off with a slower pace, introducing piano keys and eventually uzzys silky voice. In Megaton Sword fashion the song creatively builds up matching Uzzys vocal cries with open chords before picking up the pace. The piano continues in the background helping the flow of the song while the rhythms, bass and vocals stack up bringing a tasty thickness to the body of the music. Cutting back to the soft and relaxing combination of piano keys and guitar notes change the tone and feel of the music quickly. A big gong and chimes add a touch of magic and sparkle helping the music transition into the next verse. Uzzys softer spoken lines match the mood of the music showing off his ability to create a huge level of diversity in his vocal abilities. Once again the song builds up like before and continues in similar style before speeding off with a colourful little solo. ‘Babe Eternal’ takes ‘Might & Power’ out on a high Note!

Overview

Megaton Swords new album ‘Might & Power’ is masterpiece of exceptional songwriting. It is a prime example of adventurous and exhilarating music that has interesting structures and creative ideas that will never bore you. Every song is completely different in feel, tone and presence and this is why ‘Might & Power’ really delivers on all fronts. There is no filler just pure killers that show off the amazing abilities of ‘Megaton Sword.’ If your new to the band this a worthy purchase by far and if your already a fan then this will blow you away!

THENWOTHM SCORE: 9/10

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