False Idols – Initiation

False Idols
Initiation
Label: Doc Gator Records
Out: February 14^th, 2025
Playing time: 21:27

False Idols is based on the collaboration of vocalist Ronny Munroe (ex-Metal Church, ex-Vicious Rumors, Munroe’s Thunder and CAVE) and multi-instrumentalist Johan de Jager (ex-Voice of Destruction, ex-Arcana XXII, Overlord and Hybris), supported by guitarist Nikolay Atanasov. In 2023 Johan de Jager composed some songs and was looking for a matching singer. Ronny Munroe agreed to sing the songs as a guest. Most of the recordings were completed in 2023. Mixing and mastering took place at the beginning of 2024, but the release had to wait until February 2025.

A Hammond and spoken words – that’s how ‘Surveillance Of Speech’ starts. But then low-toned riffs can be heard. Singer Ronny Munroe is convincing right from the start, sometimes with a powerful Rock voice, then again with high Metal screams. And a strong guitar solo. ‘Suffer In Silence’ features a keyboard introduction, again with spoken, almost breathy words. This song is less heavy, but more melodic. Fine hook lines characterise long stretches. It doesn’t work without a short intro. This is also the case with ‘Light’ – synth sounds, clean guitars and, unsurprisingly, a short spoken word. Here the band moves into the realm of Epic Doom. The rhythm simply makes you bang your head and tap your feet to the beat. ‘Thick As Thieves’ then picks up speed. The riffs and drums drive the singer forward. Finally, the riff-driven Power Metal anthem ‘Balance Of Power’ follows. In my opinion, this is the best song on that EP.

It ends after twenty-one and a half minutes. Unfortunately, one might say. ‘Initiation’ is a fine piece of Heavy Metal. You’d like to hear more of it. I would like to see more of this and for Ronny Munroe to be hired as more than just a guest singer. Then False Idols could be a band with a great future.

False Idols – Light: https://youtu.be/eBH5a4Q1o2E?si=Q2ADjf76Inv8OYA7

Lineup:

Ronny Munroe – Guest Vocals
Nikolay Atanasov – Lead Guitar
Johan de Jager – all other instruments

Track list:

• Surveillance Of Speech
• Suffer In Silence
• Light
• Thick As Thieves
• Balance Of Power