If Armageddon is anything like the new SACRED GATE album, it would be something to count down the days to with excitement! The already solid songwriting known from this German traditional heavy metal band's two previous albums has developed even more as they have further consolidated their own style, which often brings to mind '80s US power metal, gives a few nods to NWOBHM, but also verges on thrash in some chunky riffs. The addition of a new singer with dynamic, melodic and full of passion vocals has facilitated it and helped the band reach their artistic maturity. It's hard not to appreciate the intricate arrangements, catchy choruses, flowing leads with beautiful, epic melodies and the robust rhythm section, especially when the powerful production helps them shine. A well thought out and musically intoxicating album, which should find its place in the collections of metalheads who love bands such as SAXON, ICED EARTH, IRON MAIDEN, ASKA, BLAZE, DESTILLERY, THUNDERBOLT, METAL LAW, METAL INQUISITOR, early ARTCH or BLITZKRIEG!
