CoC : Domine - Champion Eternal : Review

Domine - _Champion Eternal_
(Dragonheart, 1997)
by: Alvin Wee (8.5 out of 10)

Whew! Just when I thought Omen had given up the ghost with their latest piss-take, I was pleasantly surprised by this bunch of Omen-wannabes slashing their way out of Italy. Bearing nothing but the (often too heavy) flag of True Metal, Domine's debut 10-tracker reeks of nothing less than Manowar, Omen and Iron Maiden. Metal enough to get the most seasoned headbanger's feet tapping, the anthems on parade boast incredible atmosphere and majesty, helped in part by the inspired use of of keyboards and acoustic passages, elements oft neglected by the bands of old. More technical and innovative than other bands of the genre (Nocturnal Rites, Gothic Knights, etc.), Domine combine elements of thrash, speed and even Sabbath-style bass-heavy riffing seamlessly, managing to get increasingly engaging with each listen, never pounding themselves into repetitive obscurity like the abovementioned bands. Comparisons to Iced Earth are unavoidable, and fans of _ Night of the Stormrider_ need hesitate no further. Domine believe in leaving the best for last, the final "Suite in 7 Parts" impressing like Manowar's _Achilles_ epic. Shining with a dark operatic brilliance, this is one track no fan of epic metal can ignore, and it's representative of just about everything Domine stands for -- Metal, Metal and Metal!!!!

(article published 13/4/1998)

ALBUMS
5/4/2007	Y Stefanis	6	Domine - Ancient Spirit Rising