Dynazty’s “Game of Faces” – concentrated flamboyant metal energy and hopefulness

Long ago I’ve distinguished a “good song” formula for myself, it’s pretty easy – if suddenly this song pops in your playlist on the shuffle while you are ding whatever, I mean, from doing house chorus to running a marathon, you immediately get an unbelievable burst of energy and turn into that Energizer Bunny, capable of doing whatever you are burdened with endlessly and with ardour. Swedish power-metallers Dynazty are releasing an album “Game Of Faces” on the 14th of February via Nuclear Blast, and let me tell you that this album neither more nor less fully consists of such songs. It’s the ultimate blast of pure metal energy and it pours off on you like an unstoppable force of nature.

Starting with the three bangers in a row, which are already released as singles, the album keeps the same energy and drive throughout all 42.17 minutes. I purely doubt that it was assumed as a trilogy by the band, but I can’t help thinking of “Game Of Faces” as the logical (and metaphorical) continuation of previous two Dynazty albums, where “Dark Delight” is like falling into the abyss of sadness, “Final Advent” is reaching it’s bottom and pushing off it towards the surface, and, finally, upcoming “Game Of Faces” is reaching the surface, strong and confident, eager to move even higher, “where only eagles dare to fly”, like it’s sung in song “Phoenix”. Indeed, the absolute majority of the songs is, like I call it, “get up and go”-type of songs – very upbeat, uplifting and inspiring, lyricwise the album is filled with hope and wisdom, and it’s all framed in flamboyant symbiosis of old-school stadium hard rock riffs, unique and harmonious guitar solos and modern synthetic elements, “Die to Survive” and “Fire to Fight” are one of the finest examples.

Power-metal is still the core element of Dynazty’s music, which is presented more or less in all the songs, but “Dark Angel” is the pure classic power-metal song, the fastest one on the album. “Sole Survor” and “Mystery” deliver the marching vibe and are the ultimate battle hymns by essence, also I will remain forever curious if it’s just me or there really is a tiny hommage to Star Wars in “Sole Survivor”:) “Fortune Favors The Brave” resembles hugely with another Dynazty’s blockbuster “Waterfall”, except for having straight up a motivational speech as lyrics and ringing the catchiest major tune that would make ABBA proud. The only ballad on “Game Of Faces” is “Dream Of Spring”, and this very special gem is a genuine call for peace on our planet, wrapped in a beautiful nature reference.

In conclusion, I want to say that songs where I am told that everything will be fine, I will cope with everything etc are my favourite type of songs. “Game Of Faces” is a compilation of such songs, delivered in a very high-quality, perfectly harmonious and super-energetic metal way and sung by one of the best voices in metal industry nowadays. Yes, I indeed really liked the album, in case you didn’t notice:)