34 years into their storied career, US Heavy Metal veterans WARLORD demonstrate admirable perseverance on their latest album “Free Spirit Soar”. While the loss of founding guitarist William J. Tsamis in 2021 could have grounded other acts, WARLORD instead channel their friend’s legacy into soaring new heights. The opening trio of tracks establish a strong foundation, boasting WARLORD’s hallmarks of masterful keyboards, sweeping vocals and fist-pumping rhythms. Among these, the opener ‘Behold A Pale Horse’ epitomizes their style, transporting listeners to mythic battlefields of old with its tribal drums and MAIDEN-esque melodies. Though newer additions like guitarist Eric Juris still find their footing in places, talents like bassist Philip Bynoe and drummer Mark Zonder delivered like jam tightly as one machine. The later numbers like ‘Conquerors’ bursts with energy, also their nods to ancient egyptian nods lending a mystical edge. However, it’s the second half where WARLORD truly soars. The title track ‘Free Spirit Soar’ blended keys and vocals in gorgeous harmony, renders it’s almost like a sci-fi splendor. At the very end, the closing number ‘Revelation XIX’ verges on progressive realms and its storytelling vocals worthy of an epic ballad. While not breaking new ground, “Free Spirit Soar” proves WARLORD new foundation has it all to persevere through adversity and should upheld their tale of inspiration for headbangers of all ages. To find out more about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/officialwarlord, www.facebook.com/hrrecords.