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US Metallers Ignitor have been a notable part of the scene for years now, releasing several full-lengths and a cover album in that time. Only guitarist Stuart Laurence and drummer Pat Doyle remain from the original lineup, with Robert Williams and Billy Dansfiell joining in 2015 and vocalist Jason McMaster joining in 2008, so this certainly isn't the same band that made Take the Sky all those years ago. That doesn't mean they've stopped making good material in that time, and after listening to their 6th album, The Golden Age of Black Magick, it's clear they've yet to do so.

This album is a melodic mix of US Power Metal and Trad, with emphasis on the latter that sometimes mixes in some NWOBHM for good measure. Despite working in those boundaries, the material here is pretty varied, ranging from straightforward ass kickers like the Helstar-esque "Hell Shall be Your Home" and "Steel Flesh Bone", rocking numbers like the early Priest-inspired "Tonight We Ride" and "Countess Apollyon", and more mystical material like the ominous opening title track, the proggy, experimental album closer "Stoned at the Acropolis", and the moody album highlight "Execution Without Trial". The band is as tight and proficient as a band around for 16 years should be, and Jason in particular impresses with his acrobatic performance that would steal the show entirely in most songs if not for the killer guitar work that backs him up. Overall, this isn't quite like their older material, but it still serves as an excellent example of why people make a fuss when this band releases an album.