The debut album from Ukrainian upstarts Morton is a fresh, impressive slice of heavy, boisterous power metal. While there is an undeniable air of familiarity blowing throughout Come Read The Words Forbidden, the band display a deft ability for songwriting, and across the thirteen tracks on offer show they mean business.
Morton's sound is a smorgasbord of power metal delights, with helpings of Nocturnal Rites, Tarot, Firewind and a small dose of classic Fates Warning. Throughout the album the band nail several different branches from the power metal family tree, running wild much like a beast let out of its cage. We have straight-up power metal crunchers such as "Brotherhood of Light", hyper-charged symphonic numbers such as "Calling for the Storm" and "Werewolf Hunt", both of which would have veteran acts doing battle with the green eyed monster. Those looking for a scorching face-melter need look no further than the badass "Black Witch", with a verse riff standing as the heaviest on the album, this bad boy smokes! "Losing Faith" also nails the heavier side of the power metal spectrum, a relentless blast of juggernaut riffage.
Those looking for something a little less in your face should be pointed towards mid-paced anthem "Sleeping King" with its classic Fates Warning nuances in the intro and flawless chorus. "Oblivion" ticks the box for your massive poppy track, with a staunch dose of AOR sensibility thrown in for good measure. I could go on; there really isn't a bad moment throughout the album.
Basically if you wished Nocturnal Rites would put out another Shadowland, or Firewind would unleash another Burning Earth, then you need this yesterday. I can't really flaw Come Read The Words Forbidden, a mandatory release for any power metal fan worth his salt.