Gothic Knights - Up from the Ashes

New York’s Gothic Knights have been fixtures on the underground scene for over a decade now. They’ve been around so long that Zandelle leader George Tsalikis was once a member before the recording of their self titled debut in 1996. Gothic Knights signed with underground metal label Sentinel Steel for 1999 Kingdom of the Knights. For the recording of this great metal album, Bryan Avatar came aboard to replace Rick Sanchez. A series of line up changes left guitarist John Tsantakis and bassist Mario Consentino as the foundation of the band as Rick Sanchez surprisingly rejoined Gothic Knights for the recording of Up from the Ashes- their debut for Limb Music. I have seen Gothic Knights play live a number of occasions and have always enjoyed their traditional metal.

Listening to Up from the Ashes is a great experience and I have become familiar with some songs from their live shows. After two solid songs, “Down in Flames” turns out to be the heaviest thing Gothic Knights has ever recorded. The title track is catchy and anthemic musically. “Vampyre” slows the pace and Gothic Knights get into a good groove. “The Witching Hour” is simply good metal. Want some heavy Iron Maiden like galloping with Halford like vocals? Then “Sleepy Hollow” is a must. Rick Sanchez’s best voal performance is on “Heavens Fire,” a sure highlight. Most of the eleven songs are long but it’s all true, old school metal that sounds modern enough to not bore fans of Iced Earth and Rhapsody either.