MEGATON SWORD - Might & Power (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

My first impression just looking at this artwork had me thinking a death metal painting had collided with a traditional metal logo. Would the music reflect that? Not at all. The Swiss outfit Megaton Sword veer on the epic side of the traditional metal flavors, which has been a slow development since their first EP. While not changing much in style from before, Might & Power is the band’s most concise and compelling work to date. Don’t take that lightly, because both the prior full-length and the EP hold a pretty hot flame.

As with many bands that take this approach, part of the magic lies in letting the epic coats sit nicely atop several different songwriting approaches. Here there’s a pretty even blend between upbeat, hopeful attitudes, choppy crunches, and full-on catchy vocals. Better are the numbers that push all of that into one song. “Iron Plains” is almost obvious with its aim for being one of the standout numbers, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t incredible. Cool emotion in the chorus, the speedier gallops, a slow melting center, and stellar buildup into blast beats seal this banger’s fate as the perfect epic metal tune.

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For the most part, I find myself drawn to the more emotion-driven tracks. “Raikaszi” comes to mind, injecting somber feelings that pair well with the softer vocal style. The same could be said about closer “Babe Eternal” with its piano intro being a neat topping. Surprisingly, sections that doom out are more common than you’d think. This is the one area that I think Megaton Sword could still clean up a little in regards to delivery, but one can’t deny the fun found in the bassy rhythms and raspy vocals that coat “Power,” or its counterpart “Might.” I just think its energy was channeled a little better in the galloping “All Wicked Schemes Unite.”

Might & Power took a few spins for me to really appreciate all of the layers, and how nicely they’re placed, but the patience proved to be worth it. Megaton Sword have a lot going on in their brand of metal, and while I feel there’s the tiniest bit of room to improve into something perfect, this is a very strong effort that sits nicely within the context of their discography. If nothing else, I can appreciate how no areas felt drawn out or unnecessary. Easily a worthwhile spin for anybody that digs the traditional style with epic flavors sided with doom and emotion.

Megaton Sword - Might & Power was released February 24th, 2023 via Dying Victims. Find it here!

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Megaton Sword can be found:
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