Sacred Outcry – Towers of Gold (Review)

This is the second album from Greek power metal band Sacred Outcry.

Featuring the ex-vocalist of Lost Horizon and Heed, Towers of Gold boasts 55 minutes of Grade A material. Taking a heavy metal approach to power metal, Sacred Outcry take elements from both and fuse them into something really quite special.

Yep, from the very start this sounds like a classic power metal album from decades ago, such is its obvious pedigree. While Lost Horizon are an obvious reference point, others such as Blind Guardian, Helloween, Judicator, and Manowar are also relevant.

The songs are very well-crafted. Sacred Outcry know their genre inside out, and Towers of Gold is packed with the sort of power metal choice cuts that feel timeless. When listening to this for the first time, it sounds instantly familiar, yet also fresh and vibrant. This is no mean feat for such a well-worn style, but Sacred Outcry have the songwriting skills and performances to make this album stand out.

This is a feast of epic metallic proportions, with soaring choruses and rousing guitars. They keyboards layer the music in emotive feeling, while the superlative guitars provide textured depth. It’s underpinned by solid drumming and energised by a full band that know how to work well together. It’s worth noting through that Towers of Gold is very much a grower. It works its magic over time; its hooks are many, yet subtle, and the more you get to know its ways, the more they get under your skin and into your heart.

Anyone who knows the past work of Sacred Outcry’s talented singer knows that there’s no issue in the vocal department; the man’s voice is on fire. With great range, ample emotion, and power to spare, his voice is fantastic.

Towers of Gold is not one to miss if you’re a fan of power metal. Sacred Outcry have seriously impressed.