There is something very cool and unique about the Ohio metal scene. It has produced plenty of great bands, but right in the middle of it all is Destructor—a common denominator of that scene. A veteran band that continues to release great records and deliver intense performances.
Tales of Glory adds another impressive chapter to an already formidable body of work. It’s a powerful record delivered in pure Destructor style: an instrumental intro followed by nine tracks of undiluted metal. This is a very uncompromising album, best experienced as a whole, but every track stands strong on its own. Whether you play it front to back or jump around the tracklist, it’s an awesome listen.
The songs featured on Tales of Glory showcase excellent riffs, tempo changes, and memorable harmonies. The album flows with relentless intensity, making the listener feel good from beginning to end. The band is firing on all cylinders, and the energy is simply unstoppable. As soon as the album ends, you’ll want to hear it all over again.
While the energy is undeniable, there are plenty of well-crafted passages that display a high level of musicality. Two standout examples are "Death Screams" and "Rise to the Call." Throughout the album, there is also clear evidence of the early European metal influences that continue to shape and strengthen Destructor's sound.
Tales of Glory is another excellent release from a band that has endured a great deal and is still here delivering the goods. Many things could be said about Destructor, but the one word that sums it all up is sincerity. These songs clearly come from the heart. The band isn't doing this to get rich or become famous—they continue because they genuinely love the music, and you can feel that passion from the opening notes of Tales of Glory to the closing moments of "Victorious Warrior."
Mark Kadzielawa
