SACRED OATH – World On Fire

When Sacred Oath returned in 2007 with a new album, it was quite surprising to many, as the band was one of the hidden gems of the underground US Metal scene of the glorious Eighties with their album A Crystal Vision (1987). As usual, it is a difficult task to fulfill the expectations that such status can raise. But, Sacred Oath succeeded with World On Fire, and the best news is: the quality is still on the same high level as it was over twenty years ago!

Classical US Power Metal dominates World On Fire and if there is something to criticize the band for it is the hideous artwork which gathers all clichés that didn’t run away fast enough into one picture (although the artwork is from Michael Whelan!). Then again, none of the other albums had great cover art, so perhaps everything still remains the same. The songs are set mostly in mid tempo, with classical riffing and a strong, powerful singer.  Occasionally slower parts like in “When The War Is Over”, or epical passages as in “Sandrider” deliver variety. Yes, that is nothing new and nothing extraordinary, however, Sacred Oath instead deliver a good dose of what made the golden decade of Metal so golden. No doubt, if this album would have been released twenty years ago, it would now be a classic.

It is futile to pick any song from the album, as the whole 60 minutes are of one and the same excellence and should make the hearts of older metal fans rejoice, but if you really want a suggestion, take the nine minute long “Sandrider”, which rivals older Iron Maiden extended tracks by its effect. Of course, also the “Dune” theme makes a connection to one of the greatest Maiden-Songs ever.

If there is something to criticize musically, it is probably the production, which is “raw” (to put a positive spin on it). The songs could be delivered with more clout, but then again, the Eighties were no time for sound enthusiasts and the classic albums all sound quite thin today without anybody caring. So if one likes good, old-fashioned Heavy Metal, this is the album to get. But, you’ll probably have to check the web or contact the band themselves, as this is a self-released album on the band singer’s own label, so distribution may be limited. On the other hand, from each album you buy directly, more ends up in the band’s pockets, which may mean fans can enjoy World On Fire now and hopefully get another album from Sacred Oath within a year’s time… because this Metal style will never go out of fashion …………… right?!