Gauntlet, The

***THE GAUNTLET plays extreme heavy metal. The band was started in 2019 by Ace Meggido, with a first single previewing that year. 2020 would see another single release of "Old Lord," which would later appear on the band's debut EP, War and Guilt, which saw a limited cassette release through Nihil Verum Nisi Mors Productions. The Gauntlet's style is difficult to describe in one word, and certainly is not what you might expect from the cover. The band has been described previously as pounding black metal, rocking death, or more jokingly as "stadium Bathory." Simply put, Dark Steel and Fire is extreme heavy metal. The musical synthesis of motorcycles and epic fantasy, this 9-track full-length covers a lot of unexpected ground while maintaining a coherent and consistent form. The Gauntlet takes influence from the past, and the nods to Bathory, Venom, and Celtic Frost are apparent throughout, but has its own distinct American identity. Don ​The Gauntlet, ​fire up the chopper, and ride forth into Dark Steel and Fire! Third pressing on red vinyl. Edition of 100 copies.