Scarblade – Guardians of Time

Scarblade
Guardians of Time
Label: Wormholedeath
Out: 30^th October 2026
Playing time: 38:19

Scarblade were founded in 2015 by singer Alicke Kostopoulou (Aliki Kostopoulou, Αλίκη Κωστοπούλου). From 2012 to 2015, the band was known as Ruthless Steel and was based in the Greek capital, Athens. An EP (‘Die in the Night’, 2013) was released. The name change – or possibly shortly afterwards – was accompanied by a move to Gothenburg (Sweden). The debut album ‘The Cosmic Wrath’ was released in 2016. Scarblade were evidently a project with a changing line-up at that time. This is suggested by this quote from the press release.

A couple of years later, with a steady line-up, the band decided to celebrate their comeback by releasing a couple of new songs in 2023 and 2024.

So ‘Ready for Action’ (2024) is something of a comeback EP. At least as far as releases are concerned. The band certainly remained active live during this time, playing gigs in clubs and at festivals. Their second album, ‘Guardians of Time’, is due to be released at the end of October.

The title track ‘Guardians Of Time’ opens the album with thunderous drumming, followed by catchy guitar melodies. Alicke Kostopoulou’s powerful vocals are driven by the Double Bass. Her clear voice is contrasted by a few growls. The fast guitar solo is also driven by the drums. Things pick up speed once again on ‘The Walls’. The guitars gallop along; the Double Bass booms. Alicke’s vocals sound just a touch rougher. Later, the Hammonds provide a moment of calm, and the vocals take on a seductive quality. But this is merely a brief interlude. Afterwards, Scarblade are, in the truest sense of the title, ‘Ready For Action’. The Hammonds waft and lend a touch of retro flair. The chorus fits in very well with this. And, of course, Josip Markovic delivers another guitar solo. On ‘Craving Heart’, too, the musicians take no prisoners. Pounding riffs and heavy drums underpin Alicke’s vocals. And just like in ‘the old days’, we hear a Hammonds solo – though, unfortunately, only briefly. The guitar solo, on the other hand, is a proper length. Alicke kicks off ‘Alive’ with high-pitched metal screams. The fast vocals are then accompanied by the Hammond and driven by the drums. Following a quiet introduction to ‘Judas Kiss The Serpent’, the song remains somewhat calmer than the previous ones. Once again, we hear a catchy chorus that makes you want to sing along. The Metal anthem ‘Damnation’ is very rhythmic and mid-tempo. The Hammonds repeatedly pushes its way to the fore, whilst the drums set the rhythm.  ‘A Sign Of Heaven’ kicks off in the style of a power ballad. Electric piano and keyboard provide the backdrop for ‘ahahaha’ vocalises. But Scarblade clearly can’t keep it calm throughout. Another mid-tempo anthem. The album concludes with the smash hit ‘Blind’. Alicke once again impresses with her high-pitched screams. She’s driven forward by guitar riffs and fast drumming. Her vocals are also a bit rougher towards the end. One last time, Josip Markovic lets his fingers fly across the guitar strings.

‘Guardians Of Time’ is a very good Melodic Metal album. The figurehead is, of course, the singer. Alicke Kostopoulou impresses across the board with her powerful and versatile voice. She is frequently pushed to vocal heights by her fellow musicians.

Scarblade – Guardians Of Time: https://youtu.be/Ed4ACW41wHs?si=3EoZyl1kH0YEVEoH

Lineup:

Alicke Kostopoulou – Lead Vocals
Johan Karl Bernspång – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Viktor Erik Gustaf Heineson – Drums
Jorge Arturo Alfaro Randel – Bass
Josip Markovic – Guitar

Track list:

• Guardians of Time
• The Walls
• Ready for Action
• Craving Heart
• Alive
• Judas Kiss the Serpent
• Damnation
• A Sign of Heaven
• Blind