Civil War
The Last Full Measure
Label: Napalm Records
Release Date: 4th November 2016
Lets be fair I have never really got in to Sabaton, But the former Members of the Swedish Metallers Civil War first got my attention with their debut Album "The Killer Angels" in 2013 which unfortunately I didn't get to Review as The Metal Gods Meltdown was only a small seed in the scheme of things and was not doing Album Reviews back then.
We reviewed the immense "Gods and Generals " in 2015 and now a year later Civil War return with the final chapter "The Last Full Measure " bringing to an end the sequence of album titles garnered from the book by the late Michael Shaara ,and his son who wrote the final two books dedicated to his father,and his father's legacy.
Like the previous Albums Civil War continue with historical and war themes in a similar fashion to Sabaton but with more energy, vibrancy and intellectual nuance , this five piece return with more powerful and addictive tunes to entice and delight you.
The explosive "Road To Victory" starts proceedings with keyboards , then the march to war with a blistering opening combined with front man Patrik Johanssons immense vocals .The ferocity continues near enough throughout every track on this remarkable release, The dramatic effects and full force of Powerful Metal wash over you, "Deliverance" is next as the shackles snap open , and history is fully brought to life as the tale of liberation from Slavery is told with a pulsating and touching effect.
"Savannah" opens in a lighter vein , then thunders along as Petrus and Rickard's guitars gallop ,and Patriks Vocals continue to amaze . Then , my god ,I wasn't sure about the next song on my first initial listen , but now it has to be a firm favourite of mine "Tombstone" Sounding like a manic fair ground ride that becomes unattached , spinning and whirling as the band deliver some faster than the speed of light riffs , the lyrics are funny ,and damn catchy, this is a bizarre killer tune that in time you will grow to love ,and keep hitting the replay button!
"America" bursts into life with Mullback hitting the skins hard ,and Daniel Myhr showing his amazing keyboard skills with a killer chorus ,this is an anthem of massive proportions.
"A Tale That Should Be Told" shows exactly why this band are so much better than Sabaton ,( the arrangements are a hundred times better ) the story's draw you in , this is a more symphonic track and feels deeper than the other eleven tracks on here if that makes sense. "Gangs of New York" follows with full choral effects ,and captivating musicianship.
"Gladiator" races out of the traps ripping you to the core with break neck speeding delivery and frantic vocals. "People of The Abyss" slows things down a tad, you damn well need it after the previous track , believe me. Then the Title track "The Last Full Measure" comes into view , and like nearly all the tracks on here it will have you singing along after the first listen ,while beating your chest and saluting the band with your Metal Horns !
There are two bonus tracks that follow "Strike Hard Strike Sure" and "Aftermath" Aftermath is a beautiful Ballad and penultimate track has an
addictive and adorable chorus to singalong to !
Another awesome Album from ...Yup Sweden , ( again like Hammerfall & Inflames ,who have released stunning Albums this year) this country just keeps continuing to amaze and astound you with their musical pedigree..in time I cant wait to see what Civil War will come up with next "The Last Full Measure" is brimming full of amazing , not to be missed moments.
Metal and History two of my favourite subjects !! LOVE IT !
Review :Seb Di Gatto Score:9.5 /10
Review Written: 26.10.16
Track listing:
01. Road To Victory
02. Deliverance
03. Savannah
04. Tombstone
05. America
06. A Tale That Never Should Be Told
07. Gangs Of New York
08. Gladiator
09. People Of The Abyss
10. The Last Full Measure
11. Strike Hard Strike Sure (bonus track)
12. Aftermath (bonus track)
Band Line Up
Petrus and Rikard: Guitars
Patrik: Vocals
Mullback: Drums
Myhrer: Keys