Well, STORMLORD is similar yet very different and should never be considered as a simple rip-off. True, they used a varied arsenal of instruments like keyboards/pianos, flutes and violins, but not only to create melodies, but more to put the listener in a truly magnificent scene where warriors are slain down, paladins sacrifice themselves for greedy kings and dragons infest the skies like so many wasps attacking a doomed prey.

Self-proclaimed masters of "Extreme Epic Metal", STORMLORD could be roughly compared as a Black Metal-version of RHAPSODY. As previously mentioned, several instruments are used throughout the album as well as female vocals and wicked percussions (the fastest I have ever heard). While all of this may look original, it really is, but gets repetitive the first two-three times you listen to "Supreme Art Of War". The melodies slowly reveal themselves and are quite welcomed once you get the prejudices aside [I have to admit I was very sceptical when I first picked up this album due to the already too popular medieval theme]. Fortunately, these Italians know how to add a fresh new twist here and there to keep the album from going stale.

Since I have discovered STORMLORD with this album (their latest), I cannot compare their newer material with their previous recordings, but with "Supreme Art Of War", they have found an interesting formula that separates them from the Black Metal-pack!