PROTEAN SHIELD from Greece started their journey somewhere around the summer of 2019, and now released their self-titled debut album “Protean Shield”. And here the Greeks show their ability to take Metal aesthetics from the golden days of the ’80s and churning out something epic and modern. In the eight songs and the short instrumental interlude ‘Lament’, the five Athenians show a creative approach to the tradition that is characterized by CIRITH UNGOL, MANILLA ROAD, THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG and other current formations such as ETERNAL CHAMPION and VISIGOTH. The strong vocals, epic approaches, mystical themes and the traditional Metal tones all merge to create a massive sound. The opening track ‘Protean Shield’ boasts an almost medieval hook to its melody, but the shift between the middle tempos gives one a feel of magnificent statements. From here on in it’s a case of mythical tales and chest pounding presentation, whether it’s ‘47 Ronin’, the speedier ‘Stormbringer’ or the initial Doom strains of ‘Sin And Dream’. And the almost nine-minute closing track ‘Dancers At The Edge Of Time’ brings together all of the band’s strengths. Still, the impact of such sound stands and falls with the vocals and moments. Stampoulidis Harris’ vocal performance will surely be the parameter for many, whether this record is going to stand out or not. His voice is powerful and expressive, but his range is quite limited. Harris switches to a guttural and pressed mode when heroic phrasing would have been appropriate. Apart from that, Stampoulidis’ performance is possessive and the vocal lines are downright rousing to upheld the epicness high. Also lyrically they are as supposed to be, top notch story telling. With all these, “Protean Shield” should impress any genre affectionate mostly with its impressive melodies, varied songwriting and obviously as a strong debut by these Athenians. More about PROTEAN SHIELD and their label you will find at www.facebook.com/proteanshieldofficial or www.facebook.com/noremorserecordsgreece