Argus are a band that have developed a following, a devoted following through years of hard work. They bring elements of doom, speed, thrash and balls to the walls metal to their listeners and the music is of an absolutely outstanding quality. Thus, it is with eager anticipation that I sit down to listen to and review their latest offering From Fields of Fire.
The introduction to the album starts with the acoustic number Into Fields of Fire. Thunder and acoustic guitars bring the album in, and they set the tone nicely, especially when one looks at the album cover and thinks of the stories about to be told. As A Thousand Thieves is next. Slow and thumping to start with, echoes of the mighty Sabbath, a break then the galloping riffs begin. The story begins. Singer Butch Balich gives it his all during this song, which makes it a song that is sure to become a fan favourite. You Are The Curse kicks in, Maidenesque rhythms and leads, a song that evokes memories of a struggle, loathing, perhaps, a song that will get the crowds going when the time comes for this number to be brought out.
Hour of Longing is heavy, harmonised and galloping. It is everything you could want in a song. Butch cries for help, for something that might not be possible whilst guitarists Dave Watson and Jason Mucio make the guitars sing and cry to fit the theme of the song. The solos are melodic and mournful. This is a stand out track on the record for me. 216, is next. It starts harmonised and slow, creating the feeling of epicness that is about to unfold before us all. Slightly proggy, perhaps with some influence by Rush in the tone and tempo. The lyrics indicate a theme of self-realisation and revelation, definitely a live one. Devils of Your Time comes next, staccato heavy riffs, solid drumming, and the lyrics denote a critical look at the ills of our time, the devils if you will, another song that should get a fair showing live.
The title track is next, an acoustic number that gives the listener a chance to pause and reflect, it is by no means a filler track, it is an essential part of the album and one that segues nicely into what comes next. No Right To Grieve, slow, haunting, Butch brings his soaring vocals to an amazing point here, as if he has discovered a new range, with which to dazzle the listener. Another song that should feature in the setlist for years to come. Infinite Lives Infinite Doors, the closer, the final track. A harmonised intro, a shift into galloping rage and despair, hints of epicness and the true sense of doom that has made Argus masters of their craft. Butch brings soaring vocals and thoughtful melodies to the harmonised build-ups and crescendos. A fitting close to an amazing album.
With From Fields Of Fire, Argus have changed the game, they have brought a whole new meaning to the term doom, to the term metal. This album has soaring vocals, mournful lyrics, anger, pain, relief, hope, screaming guitars, thoughtful melodies and harmonies. This is the best record out there right now. I give it a solid ten out of ten.