Album Review: Mace 'N' Chain - Among Ancient Pillars
Reviewed by Rick Eaglestone
Forged to pay homage to influences of the past Mace ‘N’ Chain look to bring their raw and thunderous sound with a literary nod to fans young and old with ‘Among Ancient Pillars’
The album fires in with 'Bloodied Talons' which is laden with stand out riffs and varying vocal styles into early highlight track 'The Key to Ancient Riddles' which is unapologetically NWOBHM at its bullet belt wearing finest which is followed by a journey into the fantasy realm with 'Defying the Gates'.
So far the album has been incredibly fast paced, that is before 'By the Peal of Thunder' takes the helm and firmly claims that title for its own and this paired with the galloping, bass dominate 'Labyrinthian Black' and the lurking terror of 'Mound of Ashen Skull' which has elements of Power Trip makes the part of the album my particular favourite section.
The album takes a slightly different direction, the slower, stripped back 'Fountain of Voices' makes for a great inclusion adding another layer to the album, the solos that run thorough this are particularly great and then this journey concludes with final track 'Upon the Anvil Formed' featuring easily the most old school lyrical content surrounded by a wall of chants and drum patterns that fit perfectly with this nostalgic aesthetic.
