Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Dark Black
Title
The Barbarian's Hammer
Type
LP/EP
Company
Hot Dog City
YOR
2005
Style
Traditional
11/13/2005 - Review by: Eric Compton
Dark Black - The Barbarian's Hammer - 2005 - Hot Dog City Records

Track Listing
1. Wizardman
2. Bracers Of The Eagle's Talon
3. The Warhammer
4. A Tale Of Vengeance
5. Axestorm
Dark Black comes to us from Pennsylvania, a very odd location for such an epic sounding band. This three piece goes completely
against the grain of what most of the US musicians are forming and playing. "The Barbarian's Hammer" is a fantastic cult piece that will cater to fans of Slough Feg and Manilla Road. They really have that old Greece sound, maybe with a little nod to Italy through these six cuts.

Tim handles the vocals and bass and really adds a different type of voice to what the traditional power metal register offers. His voice is very high and at times a bit edgy. He really contains the whole Hellvetica scene within his delivery, which will throw some listeners who are looking for a more clean and polished singer. Guitarist Ant just blazes through these songs, really going speedy for the most part with some melting solos throughout. Since most of the songs are epic in structure it gives Ant plenty of time to "showoff and showboat with huge leads and timing changes. The drum sound from Carl is a throwback to that old Swedish sound of bands like Heavy Load and Overdrive.

Favorite cuts for me are "Wizardman" and "A Tale Of Vengeance".


--EC 11.04.05
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: DARK BLACK
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Barbarian's Hammer
2005
Hot Dog City
Eric Compton11/13/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: DARK BLACK
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE TRADITIONAL STYLED RELEASES:


<< back >>