Rising from Warsaw, Poland, ARMAGH present their 2nd full length in the form of “Serpent Storm”, delivering the goods on all fronts released on Dying Victims Productions.

The band proudly proclaim “FUCK MODERN METAL, FIRST WAVE ONLY!” and if you’re a fan of any metal from the 70’s up to late 80’s there’s something for you to be found upon this record. There’s a lot to be said about a band that can seamlessly tie in proto-metal rock riffs and rolling black metal chords, with thrash like attacks in between without any jarring moments – which is what is displayed here expertly.

I can’t pigeonhole this beyond “heavy metal”, which is a positive thing. The band swings from ethereal prog like chord passages to flat out speed metal, all throughout a NWOBHM style of vocals graces it all. There’s a lot of nice hooks and melodies here keeping you interested throughout its 45 minute runtime.

“Woman From The Hills” begins very vintage like, reminding me of those early JUDAS PRIEST records and touches of NAZARETH can be heard. The second track “Howling of the Black Wind” has a distinct black metal feel, albeit you can hear everything clearly owing to the reserved production, nothing here is over gained or distorted. Combined with the discordant riff and blast beats are some lovely melodies.

“Into The Fumes of Deutero-Steel” is the emits an immediate headbangable riff with some tasty licks peppering through. It slows down halfway before subjecting you to blackened fury. “Shadow Walkers” follows suit similarly but with a more thrash leaning, with some great MEGADETH like riffs mixed with old VENOM.

“Mhacha’s Height” is next, and my personal favourite. This is great speed metal with some truly addictive riffs, and a surprising folk like mid section, ending with some duel guitar harmonies. “Storm Over Satanic City” gives you rolling Black n Roll riff and a chant like vocal style, slightly different to what has preceeded before, going full tilt into evil black metal towards the end.

“Industrial District Fever” is a sleazy riffer drenched in chorus which soon escalates into a proto-thrash affair, and a magnificent solo complimented with some satisfying changes. “Beyond the Night” is a proper rocker tinged with some classic metal moments and bound to be a better live. “Flattened Rats” is the slowest track on the album, which I feel doesn’t really amount to anything exciting, and doesn’t do much for the album beyond diversifying the sound somewhat. “Death is Near” is the final track on the album closing out in a death / thrash rage with riffing similar to those early POSSESSED albums.

The production on this album is really cool. All instruments and vocals shine through, and each component of the drums can be appreciated. In isolation each instrument could be considered thin, however combined they create an almost sparkly sound and when the double bass kicks in (literally) it’s heavy enough. My only criticism would be the vocals lack power in certain sections.

Conclusion

A great record that manages to blur the lines between many subgenres of rock and metal whilst remaining cohesive. Great production and surprising twists in each song combined with some very cool unique riffs makes this record stand out from their contemporaries.

THENWOTHM Score: 8.5/10

Bandcamp: https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/serpent-storm

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/armagh.band

Spotify: https://spotify.link/aLLIJElb4yb