Validor – ‘Full Triumphed’: New album from Symmetric Records
Symmetric Records presents the new album by Validor, titled "Full Triumphed". The record comes out on 2 February 2022. Bob Katsionis' Symmetric Records proudly presents the return of an underground cult legend: Validor!
By Dimitris (Bari) Polyzois
Symmetric Records presents the new album from Validor, titled “Full Triumphed”. The record comes out on 2 February 2022.
The Symmetric Records by Bob Katsionis proudly presents the return of an underground cult legend: Validor! Having already three studio releases: "In Blood In Battle” (2011), “Dawn Of The Avenger” (2012) and “Hail To Fire” (2016), and having reissued their debut album in 2020, the time has come for the band to move on to the next chapter. “Full Triumphed” continues the epic journey of Validor, the band led by guitarist/singer/songwriter Odi “Thunderer” Toutounis. Once again it includes 9 new chapters narrating tales of War, Ancient Greek Heroes, Roman Gladiators, Gods & Demons, even iconic legends of 80's culture like the “Silverhawks” or Robocop in the track “Man Of Steel“!
Musically, the epic storytelling of bands like Virgin Steele and Bathory, and the raw power and massive sound of Manowar combine here with the galloping guitars of Iced Earth, the Doric melodies of Running Wild and Blind Guardian, even a few thrash and speed metal passages, to form the truly unique sound of VALIDOR: Blood Metal!
'I've been working with Odi since 2009'
According to Bob Katsionis: «I've been working with Odi since 2009. Even though he looks like a guy who doesn't listen to anything other than Manowar, Odi carries a background of musical influences ranging from early Black Metal to Greek composers like Manos Hatzidakis or Vasilis Polydourios, and from King Diamond to Death, Kreator, and Megadeth!
So, making music with someone so open-minded and with such a clear vision of what he wants to achieve can only be a pleasure. His sense of melody and groove is truly unmatched! I also admire his desire to sing the songs himself, even though he's not the typical "epic metal singer." The way he delivers every word is so meaningful and powerful that no one else could replace him. And for me, that's what makes bands like Validor stand out through time».
Producer Bob Katsionis takes on lead guitars, bass and keyboards once again, and the line-up is rounded out by drummer Απόλλων Γιαννούλης.
The artwork was once again crafted by Κώστας Τσιάκος (www.papergoblin.com), also responsible for some other great artworks for Warlord, Born Of Fire, Dexter Ward and many others.
Following Symmetric Records' release policy, "Full Triumphed" won't be fully available through any streaming service (like Spotify or iTunes etc.) and can only be ordered directly from Symmetric Records' Bandcamp in digital form or physical Deluxe Digipak CD with an 8-page booklet, and for the first time on red CASSETTE, to satisfy even the most old-school fans, which you can only find here:
Tracklist:
1. Dawn Of New Age
2. Son Of Steel
3. Man Of Steel
4. Strong Winds
5. Blood Metal Legions
6. Silverhawks
7. Gladiator
8. The Ten Thousand
9. Conquest Of Steel
Music & Lyrics: Odi Thunderer
Line Up:
Odi Thunderer: Vocals, Guitar
Bob Katsionis: Lead Guitar, Bass, Keyboards
Apollo Giannoulis: Drums & Percussion
Credits:
Production and Mixing: Bob Katsionis
Recorded Jan.-Feb. 2021 at Sound Symmetry Studio, Athens
Mastering: Νάσος Νομικός, VU Productions, Piraeus
Artwork: Κώστας Τσιάκος (www.papergoblin.com)
Logo: Odi Thunderer
