DOLMEN GATE are an Epic Heavy Metal band from Almada / Lisbon, Portugal. The acoustic opener ‘Dolmen Gate’ could for all intents and purposes be a classical piece with dreamy vocals that elevate the overall sound to the next level. With the Greek label No Remorse Records backing them, DOLMEN GATE is propelled by Ana’s vocals. She’s got angelic vocals that soar through the heaviness of the band, what a phenomenal experience this is! I am completely consumed by Ana’s voice and delivery. She sticks to doing the basics perfectly and it casts a wide net of mystic magic across the music. In any variation of a Heavy Metal band, the lead guitars take the center stage and DOLMEN GATE makes no exceptions, the band gives adequate space for expression of the instrument and the solos are quick, pointed and tasty. An interesting element of the band is even though spiritually they’re a Heavy Metal band, there are prominent elements of Doom that lurk around their gates. It makes for a spectacular support that the band rests on. The rhythm section is perfect, never exceeding and never overpowering either the vocals or the lead guitars. They do the perfect job of keeping the band together and stay at it throughout the run time. I truly appreciate musicians who stick to the center lane of their responsibilities like how DOLMEN GATE’s rhythm section do. I want to touch upon the vocalist again who displays a brilliant strength throughout the album, I particularly like her performance on track # 3, ‘The Oath’, where she reaches a new high and holds that note to an absolute delight. DOLMEN GATE might not break records for creating a brand new approach for the genre and they might not pave a new path. What they however do is honour the time bound principle of traditional Heavy Metal and they do so with comfort and ease. I’ll definitely keep an eye out on what the band does for the next couple of years, I sincerely hope they can take the next step towards a stronger sense of songwriting and further strengthen the foundations of their sound and elevate their sense of being the professional unit that they truly can be. I have no other issues and I like what I hear, I will definitely see them live when I can. For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/dolmengate, www.facebook.com/noremorserecordsgreece