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I've been stalling on this one for a while as I didn't really like it much when I got it and I decided to let it simmer for some time. Unlike 2004's Return of the Snow Giant, Awaken the Fury just didn't grab me. The vocals are a sticking point: that was the big turn-off when I first listened to it and it's still the case now. George Tsalikis is a perfectly fine vocalist who I've heard on other albums before, and he does a good job throughout most of this album, but there are times where the vocals are just cringe, if not aural torture. Your mileage may vary, but I still find myself wondering whether anyone listened to some parts of this after recording. Anyway... Moving on.

Musically (and often vocally, as hinted above), this is pretty cool. Overlorde, named after World War II's Operation Overlord (D-Day, basically), centres around war themes and this is not only reflected in the lyrics, but the music has that vibe that brings on the speed, heaviness and sometimes pounding that the lyrical themes call for. The guitar work is top-notch, rooted in the '80s without sounding dated. I found myself reaching for my air guitar throughout the album. Quite a few songs leave a lasting impression because of the sheer powerful delivery and catchy melodies or because of the vocal lines (for good or bad reasons, depending on the song). "Ashes" kicks my ass and might just be my favourite song, both vocally and musically, especially at 3:40 where it just soars with a great scream by George and the guitar work is great (and one hell of an earworm), going into a solo that reminds me a little bit of Iron Maiden at their peak. I can't get tired of that song.

I really wanted to like this album more than I did, especially after waiting some 19 years since Return of the Snow Giant. I don't find it great, but it had more than enough good moments to warrant the occasional revisiting. It has its flaws, but it's very solid, crunchy, powerful heavy metal with a few songs that will kick your sorry ass.