Judicator - Sleepy Plessow (2013)

Judicator - Sleepy Plessow

I will go out on a limb and say this – Judicator is the new standard by which U.S. power metal should be measured. After an excellent debut album and a one-off epic single, expectations were high for the band’s sophomore release, and if anything, "Sleepy Plessow" beats, slaughters, and buries those expectations somewhere beneath the earth’s mantle. Therefore, I make no apologies for the subsequent tone of this review.

After a speed metal influenced "King of Rome", Judicator embraced their power metal side for the follow-up release. While the more aggressive parts are still strategically placed throughout the album’s twelve tracks, this time around melodies become more prominent over relentless riffing, while the songs branch out into atmospheric and even progressive directions.

Once again, Judicator dips into history for the album’s theme, this time covering the rise of Prussia as a European power in the wake of Thirty Years War and well into the story of Friedrich (Frederick) the Great. The theme is masterfully woven into the fabric of the songs, going over the topics of nascent nationalism, revanchism, militarism, and even self-determination. The songs give an emotional underpinning to historical subject which might be considered dry by some, and alternatively convey the sense of grandeur (“Blut vom Himmel”), shock at senseless violence (“Thirty Years of Terror” with its prominent harsh vocals), and battlefield desperation and nightmares it causes (“Sea of Fire”). Occasionally, the band utilizes German for lyrics, adding to the atmosphere of total immersion into the subject matter without sacrificing musical value.

Judicator does not sound like a band composed of only two core members (Tony C on guitar and instrumentation, and John Yelland on vocals). The orchestrations and the layering on "Sleepy Plessow" are massive, with the host of guest singers providing for vocal variety from occasional harsh voices to majestic choirs and everything in between. Even then, Yelland’s lead vocal performance shines as a centerpiece of the album, going from a rather faithful impersonation of Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kursch explored on Judicator’s debut to places only hinted at before, adding more facets to his range and stylings to prove himself a force to be reckoned with. All the while, Tony C’s guitar work keeps perfect balance between melody and driving force, making complex arrangements seem effortless.

While "King of Rome" declared that Judicator has arrived, "Sleepy Plessow" is a statement by a band that is maturing and developing. This is how power metal albums should be made – proud, majestic, emotional, intelligently written, and immaculately performed and produced. The bar has now been raised. Power metal bands in the U.S. and beyond, you are now put on notice.

copas from http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Judicator/Sleepy_Plessow/373435/midgardmetal

Tracklist:
01. Sleepy Plessow 01:36
02. The Elector 05:56
03. Thirty Years Of Terror 05:49
04. Memory Of Shame 05:14
05. Release Me 04:55
06. Sapphire 05:50
07. Gedenkstätte 01:36
08. The Philosopher King 06:29
09. Blut Vom Himmel 11:47
10. Sea Of Fire 05:24
11. When Crowns Are Shattered 05:36
12. Sans Souci 01:36

TKP

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