Review by JD on May 11, 2014.

I love the term ‘different’. As a metalhead, to me it means talent mixed with creativity, a dose of pure I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude and some aggressive power. Some newer metalheads think it is archaic that the sorcery and dragons still come from some bands. Ronnie James Dio (RIP), who was one of the best metal singers in the world, sang about all swords and dragons in far fetched worlds - and still kicked serious ass. A two man band seems to be trying to bring a world of their own and are all in their own way. The immortal Dio would smile, I think.

Realmbuilder is a two man band, whom has released two other LP's before this one was given to me. Described as epic doom metal with some traditional metal leanings and fantasy styled lyrics – intriguing is the word that describes my thoughts. Grand, slow and heavy with a sort of symphonic element to it, this twosome’s seem to know how to craft interesting yet thundering music that sends you to a different world and all through music that is sparse and yet majorly powerful.

I love the world created of war, giants, warriors and hate they made. The story sometimes comes across a little flat, like a child’s story at times, but as a whole it is very engaging. With four songs, all of which I enjoyed with the longest over 12 minutes – it is one of the better concept albums that have graced this old headbanger’s desk in a very long time.

Realmbuilder has brought back the idea of a story – and has made it accessible. I am going off now to look up more releases from this impressive duo, even as I continue to listen to this album over and over again. Pick up a copy for your collections and see what I am talkin’ about. I think you will not be disappointed. RJ would love this.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by JD on June 16, 2012.

You know... I have been seeing a trend happening lately. Mixing old school and new school metal into a cohesive melding. I find that fucking exciting as all hell - and perfect for todays metal scene. Let me put out there a band that truly does this seamlessly and with a dump truck load of talent and a huge amount of attitude to drive it. The name is Lago and you need to remember this name well.

Hailing from one of the new hotbed of metal, Phoenix Arizona, comes a mind melting Death Metal band that is challenging the status quo in the genre. Combining wicked Old School Death Metal like Morbid Angel with more up to date stuff like GraVil, they mash the two together in such a way that is it hard not to notice it. Brutality and musicianship collide, and that is the best thing ever.

As an EP, Lago’s "Marianas" is a violent ball-buster despite offering only five songs and clocking in at a light twenty minutes. With sheer power that is matched by the ferocity that Lago plays with, they come across as a straight ahead Death Metal band but has way more to offer up than a wall of distorted riffing chaos and blood splattered lyrics. They offer up traditional DM and add in that originality that comes from within. My favorite song happens to be the looming heaviness and lyrical smartness of 'Youma', one of the impressive slabs of Death I have heard in years.

This is a young band that have old metal souls and that makes their future look amazingly bright. They just have made what Death Metal needed... something to fill the gap between Old and New School that is original, honest and bone crushing heavy. Lago is a band that is true to themselves and metalheads around the globe. A formula for long term success.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.4 out of 10