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Track Listing: Abandoning the Gates of Byzantium A Curse on the World Wolves of Dusk The Ladder Durendal 42-7-29 Boldly Stride the Doomed Fading Silver Light Pieces of Your Smile The Ruins of Ouroboros

Following in the footsteps of those such as Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden comes Argus with their second release "Boldly Stride the Doomed". They started to get some noticed in 2007 when they self released their demo but in 2009 when they released their full-length self-titled debut album on Shadow Kingdom Records, they received the praise they deserve and were fully welcomed into the metal community.

Unlike some other doom metal bands, Argus is not afraid to use mid-range to up-beat tempos in their songs as not to get stuck in that dirge-like rhythm as some often do. Though that's not to say that there's an ominous vibe that hovers over; that only compliments the already mighty vocals of Butch Balich. The down-tuned guitars and heavy bass-line gives the album a perfect balance.

"Boldly Strides the Doomed" opens with a short intro "Abandoning the Gates of Byzantium" which has the album coming into full circle with the outro "The Ruins of Ouroboros". "A Curse on the World" and "Durendal" hold the intensity of classic metal with galloping tempos and dual guitar harmonies. "Wolves of Dusk" and "42-7-29" will leave doom fans happy with the usual slower riffs that contain a bluesy vibe to both. The title track is one of the shortest but holds a killer riff from Erik Johnson and Jason Mucio. "Pieces of Your Smile" is haunting and really shows the talents of drummer Kevin Latchaw.

Argus really knows how to bring two genres of metal together and make it work. I really hope they keep using that and expand on it on future albums. "Boldly Stride the Doomed" gives a little something to everyone. I would definitely put this on your "must listen" list!

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