Lordian Guard was formed in late 1995 as the solo effort of William J. Tsamis, the founder, guitarist, and songwriter of the 1980s classic metal band Warlord. As an expression of William's musical and conceptual ideas apart from Warlord, the music of Lordian Guard can be defined as "dark, medieval epic metal." Combining progressive epic metal with medieval, classical, renaissance, and Byzantine forms of music, the songs of Lordian Guard truly sound as if they are coming out of the Middle Ages. In addition to the medieval epic form of metal expressed in the music of Lordian Guard, the lyrical and conceptual ideas are very intense as well. Written in 16th century poetic form, the lyrics convey meaningful philosophical themes which are relevant to the world today. In the songs of Lordian Guard, the cosmic struggle between good and evil is played out with apocalyptic intensity. Thus, a powerful, melodic style of music, combining classical renaissance with epic metal tones, and lyrics written in the style of gothic poetry, all together create a world of mystic fantasy in the imagination of the listener. In sum, this is Lordian Guard.

SINNERS IN THE HAND OF AN ANGRY GOD (1997) HELLION

  1. Battle of the Living Dead
  2. Behold a Pale Horse
  3. Stygian Passage
  4. Golgotha (The Place of the Skull)
  5. Father
  6. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
    1. Gehenna (Narrative)
    2. Judgement Day
  7. Children of the King

Line-up:

William J. Tsamis - All instruments
Vidonne Sayre-Riemenschneider - Voice

'Sinners In The Hand Of An Angry God' is the second album from Lordian Guard. While I have not heard the first one, I can honestly say that to me it sounds like Bill is keeping his Warlord legacy in tact with this band. OK, first things first. I got this album after reading some great reviews, and really liking Bill's work with Warlord. But my first impression of this album was not good. In fact, I couldn't even begin to see why people actually liked this band, at all. The album sounded like something your mother could have produced on her computer. That's how bad the production sounded, drum machine and all. Vidonne's voice was another turn off. Was this really it? But then I started to spin the album more, and soon discovered the cool songs. William has a unique sound, and a way of playing that sounds like no one else. Add to that his trademark songwriting, and at least you know that the songs are musically well crafted. So the more I listened, the more i started to enjoy the CD. After a while, I could even get into the vocals. Now I think they add to the unique feeling this band brings forth. They are not as heavy as Warlord, and are driven much more by the keyboards together with the guitars. The female vocals add a gothic mood as well. It all sounds like metal from the Middle Ages! With a better production, and a real band instead of various machines, this would actually have been a class act disc. Bill later resurrected "Battle Of The Living Dead" on  Warlord reunion disc, 'Rising Out Of The Ashes'.

Killer tracks: Battle Of The Living Dead, Golgotha (The Place Of The Skull), Children Of The King

William J. Tsamis guest appearances:

HammerFall - 'Legacy Of Kings'

HammerFall - 'I Want Out' (EP)

HammerFall - 'Masterpieces'

 

Related artists:

Warlord