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STEEL RATH
Prayers Of War

Self-released (2023)
Rating: 7/10

Prayers Of War is the second full-length studio album from São Paulo, Brazil-based metal clan Steel Rath. I’ve spun this a few times and can’t get past the fact that the vocals are so high in the mix, but if you can manage to overlook such a discrepancy then you are in for a treat.

This is your standard old school metal revival, although rather than stodgy and stuffy, the production here is quite crisp considering it’s an independent release. Vocally, guitarist Bruno Coimbra is a tad out if tune and his style varies from gravelled croons to higher strains. Coimbra is joined here by Alex Livás (guitar), André Ranhel (bass) and Jiúlio D. César (drums).

Prayers Of War is a sturdy enough soundtrack for a metal by numbers opus that is comfortable in its zone. The album feels a bit long at 50-minutes, but of the nine tracks offered a handful do stick, especially the trudging ‘Land Of Thieves’, the weighty ‘Hammer Grinder’ and my favourite brace, ‘Crimson Star’ and ‘Fire Eagle’. The former exhibits soul and subtlety, while the latter streaks along with great effect.

There’s nothing here that really excites, but it does remain a steely affair even if it loiters in the middle of the road for most if its existence.

Neil Arnold

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