Warlord - ... And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun [180-gram]

Few records loom over American epic metal quite like ... And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun by Warlord - a thunderous declaration that helped shape the genre’s mythic DNA. Originally released in 1984, the album stands as a cornerstone of power and epic metal’s early evolution.

Formed by guitarist William J Tsamis and drummer Mark Zonder, Warlord carved out a sound that blended medieval grandeur with classic heavy metal muscle. Their songs carried a sense of heroic drama rarely heard at the time, pairing Tsamis’ regal guitar melodies with theatrical arrangements and soaring vocal performances. The result feels less like a standard metal record and more like a soundtrack for battlefields and forgotten kingdoms.

Standout tracks like Deliver Us From Evil charge forward with galloping riffs and commanding vocals, while Child Of The Damned unfolds with haunting atmosphere and towering melodic hooks. Meanwhile, Lucifer's Hammer delivers crushing momentum and dark mysticism, showcasing the band’s gift for blending power, drama, and memorable songwriting.

This 2024 High Roller Records reissue presents the album on 180-gram black vinyl, limited to 500 copies. Mastered by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony, the release also includes a 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, poster, A5 promo photo, and lyric sheet.

A defining artifact of early epic metal, ... And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun remains a rallying cry for fans of grand, heroic heavy metal - now restored in a beautifully crafted collector’s edition worthy of its legend.

TRACKLIST

1. Beginning / Lucifer's Hammer
2. Lost And Lonely Days 
3. Black Mass
4. Soliloquy
5. Aliens
6. MCMLXXXIV / Child Of The Damned
7. Deliver Us From Evil
8. End