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DRAGONY: VIRIBUS UNITIS

 DRAGONY: VIRIBUS UNITIS

   Austrian Power Metal with an abundance of creativity and oodles of imagination, Dragony are as individual as they are anomalous. The bands forth full length release Viribus Unitis is a bizarre concept album, focused around significant figures and periods in Austrian history, a tale that is most definitely like no other and unique to say the least. The music itself, just like the theme and story underpinning the whole album, is enormously interesting and highly dynamic. Essentially, regardless of the very niche concept, this is a very different yet very strong Power Metal album, albeit rather over the top.
   From a listener's point of view, when approaching a concept album such as Viribus Unitis it is imperative that one crucial condition is met. Let it be understood that this is headphones music, not the sort of album that you can just stick on in the car or in the background while doing the hoovering, this record requires a certain degree of concentration and dedication in order to be understood and appreciated correctly. This level of commitment to a single album is not something inherent in the casual music listener, but those of us who are more dedicated to the arts and are faithful pilgrims in pursuit of an ever growing and expansive musical knowledge will be well rewarded by Viribus Unitis. 
   From the familiar joyous tones of intro "On The Blue Danube" right through to the oddly catchy closing cover song, "Haben Sie Wien Schon Bei Nacht Gesehn?", Viribus Unitis is a synths and keys driven Power Metal epic which is heavy, atmospheric and stacked with soundscapes. 
   If full throttle sing-along headbanging Power Metal is what you seek, then "Gods Of War" is here to satisfy. Frontman Siegfred Samer's excellent vocal performances throughout the album, accompanied by flawless musicianship front to back from the rest of the band are perfectly demonstrated on this raging track.
   Heartfelt vocals and encapsulating magical soundscapes meet shredding guitars and thundering drums with vibrant results on "Love You To Death", before the shredding speeds of the spellbinding "Magic" induces mandatory singing along to the collosal choruses as well as a dose of riff driven whiplash. 
   Embracing their darker side, Dragony adopt a sound more akin to Sabaton and Powerwolf on the pummelling "Darkness Within", complete with formidable crunchy riffs and shredding leads, thumping grooves, towering vocals and a crushing barrage of drumming. This track is undeniably the heaviest moment of the album, as well as one of the best.
   "A.E.I.O.U" is an emotive outing of mesmerising and bombastic Power Metal, musically a touch more technical and intricate than some of the previous tracks yet no less enjoyable. Title track "Viribus Unitis" is a short and punchy slice of groovy and melodic traditional Power Metal, which precedes another album highlight in the spectacular and majestic "Golden Dawn", a progressive and heavy number which stands out for its sheer dynamism alone. 
   Keeping with well established Power Metal tradition of having at least one track on the album with the word "Metal" in the title, "Made Of Metal (Cyberpunk Joseph)" lives up to its name admirably for it is a tradition Metal anthem loaded with groovy synths, huge vocal passages and crunchy riffs. Galloping paces, delectable riffs and leads, thundering drums, epic choir vocals and twinkling synths, "Battle Royale" is the quintessential Power Metal epic. Rounding off the original material, "Legends Never Die" is a riffing dance of fist pumping Metal, full of energy and as much power as could possibly expect from this type of Metal. 
   Overall, Viribus Unitis is not going to be for everyone, but Dragony's fanbase as well as the vast majority of Power Metal fans will certainly find something to enjoy here. Uplifting, interesting and inventive, the music alone is more than worth a listen. The crazy concept just helps to add a little more intrigue into the mix.

NO NONSENSE METAL RATING; 7.5/10
For fans of; Twilight Force, Sabaton, Battle Beast, Freedom Call.

You can watch the review instead here;

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