Armory Black Star 7" Review

D.V.P. in unison with Jawbreaker Records are set to unleash a 7” entitled “Black Star” from the Swedish Speed Metal band Armory this coming February. The last time we heard from these Swedes they released the impressive full length “Mercurion” in 2022 courtesy of D.V.P. I’m told this 7” is just a taste of what the band will be unleashing in their full-length album, also scheduled to be released in 2025.

“Black Star” is only a two-track release which is standard for most 7” releases, but it packs a punch. The title track “Black Star” is a great track filled with tasty riffs, hooks and melodies in the vein of bands like Agent Steel and Judas Priest. I’m quite taken with the approach and the feel of the track. The bridge takes a turn sonically and kind of takes on more of a New Wave feel, but it doesn’t lose its teeth, just offers a different vibe. The B-side track “Solar Winds” concentrates solely on Speed Metal & Power! This track sounds like it could be left-over Savatage song from the “Sirens” era. Typically, I prefer the “A” side of the 7” but with this one, I prefer the “B” side. Then again, my heart lies in the early 80’s Metal era and “Solar Winds” captures those vibes perfectly. I can’t wait until the new full length is released; it has a real shot at being one of the better Speed Metal albums released in 2025.

~Black Angel