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Well, this is a surprise. Sumerlands is a new band out of Philadelphia, featuring some veterans like Eternal Champion's Arthur Rizk on guitars and the ubiquitous Phil Swanson on vocals. When I first got this I had very little info about the band, so I have to say I did not even realize this was Swanson until I saw a lineup listing. Usually Phil records himself very flat and dry, without reverb or backing tracks, and so this sounds very different. I have to say, that allowing himself some of the usual recording tricks does wonders, and this is the best I have heard him sound.

Musically this is a nice blend of US-Metal with a NWOBHM approach to the riffs and especially the solos. I found myself reminded of other fine acts like Onward, Pharaoh, or Fool's Game by the dense, often complex yet hooky songwriting. This is just a winner all the way through, with excellent riffs, solid songwriting, and a classic metal feel that is hard to put my finger on, but remains there. This is new music that can make you nostalgic for the old days.