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OverLorde Demo
2000
USA Heavy Metal
New Jersey's own classic metal act
OverLorde have been around since the late 1980's and aren't calling it
quits any time soon. OverLorde's music is reminiscent to the NWOBHM
and early power metal that started it all. Driving guitar riffs,
pounding bass, thundering drums and screaming vocals really sums up this
bands presence in a nutshell. Their playing is real tight and they
defiantly have put in the time and effort into their music.
Track one "Blackness" is
a great song with an interesting guitar line, and catchy vocals.
The song builds nicely and it will have you breaking out the leather and
spikes, banging your head like madman! Mark Edwards's lead is wild,
and I also loved the huge bending section near the end of the song.
"Hell Hath No Fury" song two opens some evil power chord riffing,
and a cool opening lead. This song is real upbeat and the drives
along nicely. This song really captures the NWOBHM sound perfectly.
Kong's bass playing in this tune is pretty hot. He's no backing
bassist that's for sure, Kong's a in your face bassist style bassist!
Bobby Lucas's vocals are wide ranged in this track, going from his normal
singing voice and then up a few registers to the hailed metal scream.
Check out the super melodic part of Mark's main lead starting at 01:54-02:07,
nice job. The rest of the song pounds out some great metal riffing
for sure. Song three "Ogre Wizard" is my favorite track
on this demo EP. The main riff is pretty catchy and the bass playing
really stands out. Did I mention the chorus section rocks?
Its a sing along one, so get those pipes ready! The lyrics are super
cool, based on the medieval or occult type material, a wizards and warriors
kinda deal. Its safe to say that "Ogre Wizard" just plain
rocks out, and there's not much more that I can say about it accept got
to www.overlorde.com
and get a copy. Then you'll know why this song is a beast!
Track four "Metallic Madness" is a darker more evil sounding
number again restating their NWOBHM influences. Its great that
bands haven't totally forgotten about this genre of metal. This song
is real tight and well written. The lyrics are real interesting as
well, so listen closely. Mark Edwards's takes an extended lead
section and rips away. Great job Mark, I give you two thumbs up as
well since your a fellow Flying V player too!
Now I'd like to take this time to discuss
the musicians of OverLorde. John "Kong" Bunucci's bass
playing is a real highlight to OverLorde's style. He is a very articulate
bassist, paying lots of attention to what's going on during the song.
He just doesn't follow the guitar or drums, many of his bass lines are
walking ones. Kong also uses tons of fills, which is pretty rare
from a bass players perspective. He is one of the coolest bassists
I've heard in a long time and I really think everyone can appreciate his
style. Mark Edward's guitar playing smokes as well. He's got
some great chops and great riffing skills. Mark is also a fellow
Flying V player, we're a real breed these days and it's great that he
plays guitars made for gods! Dave Wrenn's drum playing is super
tight, he never misses a beat. His drum tone is real loud.
You'll never miss one of his beats that's for sure. Lastly, Bobby
"Leather Lungs" Lucas is one hell of a singer. He has
a voice built for Heavy Metal and it really fits into OverLorde's sound.
Looking back, this was a real treat
to listen to and review. OverLorde are the first NWOBHM / power
metal influenced bands to get reviewed on The Shred Zone. Its great
to see that this style of Metal isn't dead and gone. They write
great songs and have a sound that sets them apart from other bands in
the Heavy Metal community. I'd really like to hear a full length
CD from theses guys as soon as possible, their just that good!
Stop by OverLorde's official website at www.overlorde.com
or email them at ovrlrde@aol.com
for more info and how to obtain one of these hot CDs.
5/16/02
-Nick Martinelli
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