Warlord came out of San Jose, USA back in 1980. They got known for the first time by submitting an entry for the 'Metal Massacre'-sampler, with the song "Lucifer's Hammer". 2 months later they released their debut album 'Deliver Us'. The response on the debut from all over the world was positive. With their sensitive, sympathetic and melancholic music they (Damien King - vocals, Destroyer - guitar, Raven - bass, Sentinel - keyboards and Thunderchild - drums) got amazing reviews. Another entry ("Mrs. Victoria") for the 'Metal Massacre vol. 3'-sampler followed soon in 83, as well as a almost unnoticed change of vocalist, since the newbie (Damien King II) was pretty equal to the first Damien,  and the only difference between them might have been their personal data. Afterwards they recorded the single "Aliens/Lost And Lonely Days" which was released in June of 84. Again the line-up changed when the new bass player, Archangel, joined. Towards the end of 84 they recorded a live video whose soundtrack was released as the LP 'And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun...', containing 4 songs from the debut, the 2 from the single and also 2 new songs. Their biggest problem was probably they couldn't get a decent management, and Metal Blade seemed to be unable to promote them very well. Thus their catalogue was limited to 1 single and 1 LP in the end. They never even made it to play live, not even once! Because of different activities and interests the band broke up. So one of the most original, as well as talented, heavy metal bands ever, died. Later Metal Blade released a best of-LP called 'Thy Kingdom Come' in 86, and another compilation which has all Warlord songs in 93 ('Best Of Warlord'). However, in 2001 William J.Tsamis once again hooked up with Mark Zonder, recruited Joacim Cans (Hammerfall) on vocals, and a new album, called 'Rising Out Of The Ashes' saw the light of day. So far this have been the only release after the reunion, and it is uncertain whether or not the band is still to be considered as active at this point.

RISING OUT OF THE ASHES (2002) ATRHEIA/DRAKKAR

I became aware of Warlord when I heard Hammerfall's cover version of "Child Of The Damned" (a track I later discovered that October 31 had also covered). But getting a hold of any of the bands discs proved to be a more difficult task, despite the fact that they seemed to have this cult following throughout the years. It was only fitting though that when Mr. Tsamis opted for a reunion of the band, that he invited Joacim Cans (of Hammerfall fame) to join him, and Mark Zonder, and become the new vocalist for Warlord. The result is one fine metal platter. It got some good reviews as a new release, but the fans seemed torn between those who approved of Joacim, and those who didn't. Now, some years later, 'Rising Out Of The Ashes' have become yet another forgotten gem in the metal history, left in the obscure releases that is way underrated category. And that is truly a shame, because this is a very unique band, with a highly unique sound. Bill's layered, wailing guitars gives them this epic, and at times doomy quality which is unlike anything else you'll here. The music is traditional metal, or power metal if you will. Heavy, catchy, melodic and esoteric, all at the same time. Joacim's smooth, golden voice adds another, very fitting, feeling to their sound. Only 3 songs are new compositions : "Enemy Mind", "Sons of a Dream" and "Achilles Revenge". The other songs are Lordian Guard and (old) Warlord re-recordings. But these songs have been given a huge make over here though. The entire album sounds great, but especially "Winds Of Thor" is a tracks that should have become a heavy metal classic!

Killer tracks: Battle Of The Living Dead, Winds Of Thor, War In Heaven, Lucifer's Hammer, Achilles Revenge

William J. Tsamis guest appearances:

HammerFall - 'Legacy Of Kings'

HammerFall - 'I Want Out' (EP)

HammerFall - 'Masterpieces'

Joacim Cans guest appearances:

V/A - 'Kissin' Time' (with Mrs.Hippie)

Nostradameus - 'Words Of Nostradameus'

Related artists:

Lordian Guard, Cans, HammerFall, Fates Warning