Mega Colossus – Riptime
Release Date: 17th December 2021
Label: Rafchild Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Adventure Metal, Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, NWOTHM.
FFO: Iron Maiden, Eternal Champion, Judas Priest, Enforcer.
Review By: Eric Wilt
Mega Colossus has been waving the flag of good old-fashioned “adventure metal” since 2005. Never heard of adventure metal? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. According to Last FM, adventure metal bands vary in style from the progressive instrumental of Scale the Summit to the wildly catchy symphonic power metal of Majestica. For Mega Colossus, adventure metal is traditional heavy metal that features fantasy and science fiction inspired lyrics with a healthy dose of fun thrown in for good measure.
Riptime is the bands sixth album, and it appears to be their second LP under the moniker Mega Colossus. Previously, the band was known simply as Colossus, but I’m guessing the “Mega” was added to highlight the “new aggressive approach” they have taken to creating their sound.
The opening track, Razor City, melds lightning-fast riffs, blazing leads, and strong vocals (I especially enjoy the falsetto during each chorus) into a track that any NWOTBHM band would be glad to call their own. I will definitely be returning to this song pretty frequently. Vigilo Confido sounds like a tribute to “The Trooper,” but not in a way that makes you think Mega Colossus was trying to rip off Iron Maiden. Instead, it sounds as if Mega Colossus is wearing their influences on their sleeve, but once you hear the song, you’ll be glad they did. Run to the Fight is another solid traditional metal song which highlights Mega Colossus’s penchant for witty, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Finally, Iron Rain closes out the album with an anthemic banger that will have you waving your sword in the air as you prepare for (space) battle.
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, and in the case of Riptime by Mega Colossus, this old adage is certainly true. The cover artwork is interesting, but it does not scream out traditional heavy metal. Upon first inspecting the album artwork, I didn’t know what to expect from the music, but after listening to the album a couple of times through, I have decided this record is begging for a super-slick space scene beautifully rendered in the style of numerous traditional metal bands over the years.
There’s no doubt that Mega Colossus is having a seriously good time. Whereas most bands playing traditional metal with fantasy and/or science fiction inspired lyrics present their music with a straight face, Mega Colossus appears to embrace the cheese and this is part of their appeal. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but the riffs are a different matter. The riffs they take deadly seriously, and there’s more than enough quality riffs and tasty leads to please almost any fan of traditional metal.
(3.5 / 5)
