For years now, if not decades, the very question of heavy metal itself has been something that people love to focus on. The classic vein is something whose power and influence cannot be understated as it remains one of those sounds that are absolutely ubiquitous without question or exception as the very spirit and passion for it has remained virtually unchanged since the initial legends rose with sharpened steel, but people love to think that the younger and more modern acts don’t have what it takes to deliver the same brand of excellence. In my experience, those claims are largely unfounded. Those claiming there aren’t many interesting acts in the modern landscape of up-and-coming heavy metal aren’t doing the legwork or are too stingy when bands like Blazon Rite come right before them with supreme quality that only the foolish can deny.

Of all the different attributes that are to be found in every corner of metal, aesthetic is one of the few undeniable constants. Every sound has its own feel and look with it always evolving and becoming more refined as the years have piled on, but heavy metal has been fittingly resilient. Steel, blood, and honor are core values of what bands bring to the table to further the glory of the genre itself with Blazon Rite being but one of the legions of other acts that understand that, but it is here with “Wild Rites and Ancient Songs” that we see that understanding taken to a tremendous extent. Much more than a simple collection of riffs with the desire to be in the middle of battle, Blazon Rite creates a real spectacle as it is every given track here that puts you directly into the madness with the riffs matching the attitude, the soaring melodies adding to the glory, and the undeniable level of craftsmanship elevating the album past much of the competition. Invigorating and potent right from the start, “Wild Rites and Ancient Songs” makes its presence known at every possible turn without a single opportunity dropped or lost. The snow is drenched red as Blazon Rite shows off their immense prowess without a shred of compromisation for the very spirit of heavy metal with it shining exceedingly bright in every instance to make Blazon Rite not just a name that has earned our respect many times over just with “Wild Rites and Ancient Songs”, but it commands our attention while forcing adoration for all that it dares to be and accomplishes in stupendous fashion.

This is what the future of heavy metal looks like when you open your eyes to all that is out there. Far more than legends whose times are slowly coming to an end, it is because of acts like Blazon Rite that we’re able to have so much to look forward to constantly. Everything that has been summoned to bring “Wild Rites and Ancient Songs” to life is what modern heavy metal greatness is built off of with Blazon Rite more than worthy of being held to the same standards and heights as their contemporaries in Sumerlands, Megaton Sword, Smoulder, and Eternal Champion.

LISTEN to “Wild Rites and Ancient Songs” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Blazon Rite on Facebook here.