The Age Of Ore – Trying Times

The Age Of Ore
Trying Times
August 9, 2019/February 4, 2021
14:57

I remember well how in 2007 a Finnish band with musicians aged fifteen / sixteen set out to blow up the metal world. Sturm und Drang’s debut album “Learning To Rock” hit like a bomb. Two more albums and several singles followed until the musicians split up again in 2013. And now a promo from The Age Of Ore recently arrived on my desk. The trio is at a similar age as the Finns were at that time (between thirteen and sixteen years old). And these youngsters have recently released their first EP, under the name “Trying Times”. Press release and Bandcamp say 4 February 2021, while the Encyclopaedia Metallum writes August 2019. This date can also be found on the band’s Facebook page. I’m a bit confused now. Formed in 2017, The Age Of Ore cover the genre’s all-time greats like Iron Maiden, Jimi Hendrix and Dio at live shows. And the three original songs can be found on the EP. A long player is also planned for 2021.

Anyway. I have listened to the three songs. Roaring guitars are the trademark of the (now) trio. The doomy opener “Deadline” features typical metal screams. The drums sound natural, all in all you can hardly hear any technical gimmicks. The sound is raw and unspoiled. During the title track “Trying Times” the tempo picks up a bit. Apparently, the band has two lead singers. At least the vocals sound cleaner here. A great guitar solo tops off the song. Sound-wise, “Trying Times” differs a bit from the other two songs. The volume level of guitar and drums is a bit lower. It seems that this recording was made during another session. Here, too, the guitar solo can delight.

You (almost) can’t believe it when you read the age of the musicians. Musically, The Age Of Ore leave nothing to be desired here. However, I would wish for a somewhat more powerful sound. This release does not reach the quality of the already mentioned Sturm und Drang. Despite everything, the EP has more than just demo quality. One can be curious about the album planned for this year.

The Age of Ore – Wings of Steel (Live at Voltage Lounge): https://youtu.be/JKPcwq8NXro

Lineup:

Jacob – Lead Guitar,Vocals – 16
Lucas – Drums, Vocals – 13
Deven – Bass Guitar – 14

Track list:

• Deadline
• Trying Times
• Wings Of Steel