Unleash the Archers are possibly the most important tactical division on the battlefield for Power Metal’s future. I’d say they’re the tip of the spear, but that metaphor doesn’t make sense with the band name. They’re getting prime spots at major festivals and on big tours, and continuing to grow their legacy. Their 2017 “Apex” record was #15 on my list of the year’s best, and in retrospect, should have been ranked much higher. I’m thrilled to watch them achieving their dreams.

Vocalist Brittney Hayes is a superstar - - she has such vocal charisma and power. She’s the perfect Power Metal frontperson. I don’t wish to diminish the band behind her at all, but she’s just always the focal point.
But of course, talent and charisma mean very little (in reviews, at least) if the songs aren’t good. So let’s dive in to their highly-anticipated 2020 release, “Abyss.”
Opener “Waking Dream” is a lovely builder, which leads into the title track, which is also the album’s first single. It’s a fantastic introduction to the band, if you don’t know them. Hayes loves her opening vocal blasts, and this is her best one yet. “Legacy” follows shortly after; this song is the Unleash the Archers I love, and then some. Somewhat reminiscent of Devin Townsend Project, it’s just a glorious new addition to their eventual “Best Of” compilations.
Moving on to what would be Side 2 of the album, the hits outnumber the misses, although there’s a fair bit of both. Just highlighting what works: “Soulbound,” the excellent guitar solos and high velocity of “Faster Than Light,” and the nice symphonic outro of “Afterlife” are all plusses. “The Wind That Shapes the Land” is also an interesting one. It goes on for a bit, cycling through a number of different parts, like Led Zeppelin’s “Carouselambra.” The first section is the best on “The Wind.”
I don’t think UtA have matched the greatness of “Apex” on “Abyss.” There’s nothing quite as grand as “Ten Thousand Against One” or “Awakenings” here, but this is still sure to further and cement their standing as the Power Metal band of the decades to come. I, for one, welcome our future overlords.