The
Sacred Oath tale is an interesting one, as it begins with a metal band that only managed to issue a single release during its first go-round in the late '80s, before reuniting almost two decades later, and issued a whole new album with their original lineup,
Darkness Visible, in 2007. Despite the long lay-off -- and countless metal subgenres rearing their heads during
Sacred Oath's dormant period -- the quartet turn a blind eye to the outside metal world, and re-focus on the
Queensrÿche meets
Mercyful Fate by way of
Manowar direction of their earlier work. Tracks such as "Battle Cry," the title track, and "Unholy Man" are prime slabs of vintage '80s metal. But be forewarned,
Darkness Visible may very well leave you achingly longing for your long-gone sleeveless denim jacket and white high tops. ~ Greg Prato