#7- Top of 2016

Iron Mask - Diabolica (AFM Records)

Iron Mask's "Diabolica" is an excellent example of how to make a great and entertaining power metal album, using the right amount of epic and outrageous themes! Right from the first song "I Don't Forget, I Don't Forgive" you know this is gonna be a great listen full of catchy power metal riffs, clear vocals (by lead vocalist Diego Valdez) and powerful choruses! The neoclassical "Doctor Faust" is an example of a longer song that doesn't overdo it due to its amazing orchestration and theatrical elements that can also be seen in "Diabolica". There also contrasts in terms of tone with  "Oliver Twist" showing an energetic and feel-good vibe while "The Rebellion of Lucifer" moves towards a darker tone. "All for Metal" is a guilty pleasure made for sing alongs and "Ararat" adds different elements and tunes while "The First and the Last"'s chorus competes with "Galileo" for the album's catchiest tune (of course both are bound to stick to the listener for a while)! This symphonic pandemonium is perfectly wrapped up by the "Cursed in the Devil's Mill" (in all its 13:45 glory) which serves as an fitting epic closure to this power metal journey!



96/100

Below is the official music video for the song "I Don't Forget, I Don't Forgive".