CHARIOTS OVERDRIVE from Atlanta, Georgia just released their first full-length “The End Of Antiquity”. Their 2023 Demo “When The Wheels Start”, hinted the intention of making and playing Heavy Metal, highly influenced by NWOBHM and classic Power Metal. Although based in Atlanta, but originally from China, the quartet of G.H.Z. (vocals / guitar / piano), Y.Z. (lead guitar), Z.Z.Y. (bass) and W.R.C. (drums), aimed to deliver a distinctive album brimming with passion, nostalgia and energy. Despite the influences they declare, the album’s tone is dominated by the NWOBHM spirit with heavy lineage on METALUCIFER and US Power Metal traits can be traced in the vein of early RIOT and RAVEN. The album opens with a one minute, melancholic guitar intro, ‘Where Dust Reigns’, followed by ‘Parasite’, in a purely old school sound with an underlying Heavy Punk attitude. You instantly feel the pulse and raw power, which intensifies with ‘Marching Maniacs’. This almost sounds like an anthemic piece with vibes of the good old Teutonic sound. Later, ‘A Taikonautic Alchemist’, where the ’80s legacy of IRON MAIDEN and SAXON can be felt in full force. With ‘Sunken Throb’ the bass and keyboards take over, sweeping us into a magical interlude. This serves the variability in their composition making, as well as the fast and melodic title track that is serving traditional Heavy Metal where ANGEL WITCH as perhaps its primary reference point. The album closes with the incredible 12 minute epic ‘A Bizarre Pilgrimage To The Cubik Mansion’, a staggering composition, featuring twin guitars, piano and a breathtaking atmosphere. While G.H.Z.’s vocals carry a gruff, almost sophomoric point, they lend the rustic musicianship a soulful and comforting edge. The overall warm and unpolished production allows to express that band’s aesthetic with full force. Along with the fascinating lyrical inspiration from ancient Chinese historical texts and myths, in their maiden album CHARIOTS OVERDRIVE offered something really enticing for those hunting the raw spirit of Classic Metal, which certainly feels authentic and archaic Heavy Metal with a somewhat simplistic charm. To find out more about the band and release, visit www.facebook.com/chariotsoverdrive or www.facebook.com/gatesofhellrecords.