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OLYMP
Rising

Metalizer (2025)
Rating: 7.5/10

Two years after their self-titled debut full-length album, German heavy metal clan Olymp brings us more yarns of mythology. Sebastian Tölle (lead vocals and guitar), André Möbius (bass and backing vocals), Armin Feigl (guitar) and Dominik Rankl (drums) all previously featured for progressive metallers Moral Hazard so there’s no denying the chemistry here.

Olymp deliver a powerful set of songs which mix traditional metal via the rawer elements of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and even a tinge of punk, especially with the backbeat of opening song ‘Olive Wreath’. The riffs are sharp but thankfully not over-produced and the vocals boast a grit and passion even if not every note is reached to perfection.

Hints of early Iron Maiden leak through on various songs, the band driving hard riffs and stony percussion, and yet somehow, even with such understated determination, there remains a streak of the grandiose as the foursome loiters on the edge of 80s Euro power metal.

‘Thread Of Life’ brings that bouncy punk groove again, striding with a swagger beneath the foreground of tough riffs. I dare not suggest this is streetwise metal, but it sure as hell has an attitude as ‘Fire And Brimstone’ cruises on a diet of oil and soot, steadily loping into the heat like long forgotten U.S. rockers Krank and Mad Reign. Namesake song ‘Olymp’ is a contender for best track on the album, trudging with a quintessentially British rhythm that’s both punchy and confident, but then there’s ‘Eternal Torment’ with its 80s early Slayer build up.

There are times when I expected Olymp to burst into a nasty dose of thrash, and although it never comes, the combo remains steadfast in producing hardy metal. There’s some good melodies to boot as well; ‘Orpheus’ borders on a speed and power metal aesthetic, and closer ‘White Rose’ plays out like raw doom metal.

Working well within their limits, Olymp really do have that cult aura, and when the riffs and vocals are that resilient and rugged, you’ll hear why.

Neil Arnold

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