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MEGA COLOSSUS “Watch Out!”
MEGA COLOSSUS “Watch Out!”
By Mercyful Mike
“Showdown” was in my Top 10 of 2024, so when news broke of the imminent release of “Watch Out!”, I was on high alert. MEGA COLOSSUS have quite the track record for pumping out high quality heavy metal, so fingers are crossed the trend continues as I dive into the promo graciously provided by the mighty Cruz Del Sur Records.
Opening track “The Bad Thing” quickly squashes any doubt that this album would be anything less than f**king metal! Blazing riffs and twin harmonies are on full display here, and continue to be throughout the front half of the record. “Battlefront” drives this home even further, with catchy verses and fist pounding choruses. While MEGA COLOSSUS proudly wave the flag of traditional heavy metal ala Iron Maiden, I can’t help notice a courteous tip of the hat to the power metal greats as well. There are more than a few moments (albeit succinct) that conjure up the best of HAMMERFALL or even SABATON.
It’s the back half of the album where MEGA COLOSSUS shine the brightest. There is a distinct progressive element that weaves itself in and out of these later songs without becoming haughty and domineering. “The Halls of Mystikos” might just be the centerpiece for me. Guitarists Bill Fischer and Chris Millard are absolutely brilliant, composing twin harmonies that dance in THIN LIZZY territory just enough to grab you, but then dazzle you like only MEGA COLOSSUS can. “Solar Winds” from SEVEN SISTERS is an immediate comparison.
“Here Lies You” and “Bloodless” continue to follow this proggy formula, but remain unique unto themselves. Full of heart and emotion, Sean Buchanan’s vocals never fail to impress. His delivery is genuine and the storytelling convincing, as it should be from a published science fiction author!
The production on “Watch Out!” is huge, with a massive soundscape. This alone does wonders for the overall presentation of the album. Songs crafted in this manner deserve the expansive backdrop and superb mix producer Al Jacob provides, and Matt Tuttle’s mastering is top notch. “Watch Out” sounds incredible from blaring speakers, but I can only imagine how immersive the MEGA COLOSSUS universe sounds through a good pair of headphones!
To wrap things up, I can honestly say this is one of the first real contenders for Album Of The Year, and the first quarter of 2026 is proving to be a solid one in terms of stellar metal releases. If you enjoyed “Showdown”, you are going to be enamored with “Watch Out!”
10/10
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