RULER “Descent Into Hades” /CD/

The third full-length studio album by Italian Heavy Metal band.
Starting in 2009 with a plan to combine a love of pure European and British Heavy Metal, Italian quartet Ruler set about writing and recording material. There’s been a six-year break between previous album, as they gained a new drummer in 2015, with Steve Bianco. It’s been time well spent, as this is a high-octane effort for those who love catchy Heavy Metal with Progressive movements, circling back to a strong love affair with Iron Maiden and their offspring.
Ruler arranges an intricately designed formula of hard-hitting Heavy Metal developments, based on NWOBHM style. It’s hard not to be enraptured by the helium high voice of Daniele Francesco Valentini, who delivers a consistently complex flair of high-pitched pipes that scream with vengeful virtue. Matt Baldoni on guitars demonstrates fluidly polished persistency, pursuited with thunderously thumpy rhythms & prestigiously wondrous potential. Riveting remedies and quintessential quakes of stampeding tempos revolves with a stomping sound production & powerhouse drumming from Steve Bianco - who pounds with profusely robust pummelling. Audible bassist Mirko Negrino also contributes concretely gnarly efficaciousness. He delivers some funky lines during the more commercial sounding “Melanie” – and it’s through this song where you hear a bit of those German qualities in terms of phrasing and guitar finesse for Matt Baldoni.
Ruler certainly exceeded all original expectations on this album, comprising gang chants and acoustic vibrancy to rich trailblazing speed - this band is definitely a discovery worth jamming to! Splendid!!
Punishment 18 Records, 2019 (P18R 150). Made in Ital. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Black Hand 4:33
2. Queen Of Danger 3:57
3. Airstrip 1 8:47
4. Melanie 4:50
5. Descent Into Hades 4:47
6. Prisoners In Hell 4:52
7. The Shunt 3:57
8. Alibi 6:28
Total playing time: 42:14 min.