Review by JD on July 28, 2013.

The United States Power Metal scene has been one scene that is in a class in itself – being very much heavier and faster than their European counterparts since the late 80’s. It is a more powerful style of metal, while still offering up some great musicianship and melody to go along with the monster riffs and heaviness the USPM has developed.

Formed back in 1984 in Albany New York, Blacksmith was one band going up in the metal world, and going up fast. Because of different things (like label troubles) the band sadly disappeared from the scene. Thankfully they are back out and knocking our asses off with their brand of brutal Power Metal for the world to hear. Album "Time Out Of Mind" was actually shelved on their old label Tropical Records but now re-mastered by Heaven and Hell Records, it has come to the masses finally.

Sounding like a totally wicked cross between 80’s versions of Anthrax and early Testament with a massive injection of some older styles of Power Metal for the basis for it all, the result is remarkable and far more enjoyable than some styles of metal being released these days. I totally got into the tracks like the monstrously sonic attack of 'The Lesser Evil' to the more brutal shredding of 'Live By Violence'. Each track is a force in on itself. Old school has never sounded so fuckin’ good and that is a good thing for metal in general.

Like the craftsmen that the band is named after, Blacksmith have given us an amazing album - despite being shelved for so many years. It is a tribute to how good and moving the older metal still is. Many thanks to Heaven and Hell Records, they have brought forth a band that is giving us a lesson on what metal truly is… heavy, brutal and o-so-good. Life is very good.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Review by Adam M on September 2, 2020.

Manticora have a dark element to their power metal sound and it makes them very intriguing. One can detect a hint of the progressive style of Nevermore in their sound and this aspect alone raises them above so much other cheesy power metal.  There is just a much more gritty feeling to the music that makes it appealing.

Songs tend to be longer and more developed than the typical power metal effort and this shows their prog side. For an example of this just see the first track 'Katana – The Moths and the Dragonflies/Katana - Mud' which is a nice way to open the album on a strong note.  The variety present on the disc means it very rarely gets old and something original to offer around every corner.  Investigating the musicianship, one can hear the dark aspect of the vocals, which liken them to Warrell Dane’s.  Otherwise, the guitars are crisp and in the forefront and move the songs along nicely.  Similarly, the drumming is very strong and holds the songs together.  The musicianship is impressive, but it’s the songwriting that makes this act so much more potent than other power metal acts.

Not only is the band tight, but there are a number of nuances to the music that elevates it so far above the norm. When all the pieces are added together a very strong creation of power metal mixed with prog can be found. The dark Nevermore style prog attribute melds nicely with the upbeat aspect of power metal to create a strong effort. The amount of variety present is nice and this mixed with a dark atmosphere makes for a cutting edge power metal release. Fans of progressive and power metal should easily find something to like with this album and gobble it up.

Rating: 7.6 out of 10