Brothers of Metal – Prophecy Of Ragnarök
Brothers of Metal – Prophecy Of Ragnarök
Label: AFM Records
Release Date: 16/11/2018
Running time: 51:23
Review by Lotty Whittingham
10/10
It was easy to regard them as Sweden’s best kept secret until now. Due to their recent signing to AFM Records, Brothers of Metal have re-released their mighty debut “Prophecy of Ragnarök”, potential warriors eager to hear the stories of their quest, and this album is a worthy quest of strength, power and determination.
It’s very rare nowadays to find an album that displays great anthems from start to finish but Brothers of Metal achieves this mighty feat. For any fans of Sabaton, Manowar and Powerwolf, I highly recommend this album to you, and after one listen, you will want to ride into battle with them.
The album doesn’t beat around the bush. It goes straight into battle with the song ‘The Death Of Light God’. The rapid drum beats and guitar riffs will make anyone want to get up, don their battle garments and charge. It gives you the first taste of what the band can give the listeners. It also gives a first taste of the vocal power between the singers. Ilva Eriksson’s vocal range covers a wide spectrum from powerful to sensitive, providing the perfect contrast to Joakim Lindbäck Eriksson’s roaring and rough vocals. Last but not least, there is Mats Nilsson, who provides the tongue of the gods. A great vocal technique that works in favour of these warriors.
It’s a given cliché to say there is something for everyone, yet that statement applies to this album. There is an eclectic selection of powerful songs that could all be anthems in their own right. From the sweeping ballad ‘Yggrasil’ to the merry shouts of ‘The Mead Song’, there is something to suit every mood under the sun. Noted, another cliché but it’s true!
‘Son Of Odin’ is as mighty as the track name itself. It starts off with a stately roar of thunder and the rest is just as grand. It’s a great song to go into battle with. The lyrical content is also fantastic, getting the balance of posing a threat and a light comic side spot on. The battle lyrics include “I am the son Odin, I bring lightning from the sky” and “Fire, blood and magic leaves me with a thirst”. The comical lyrics include “Loki is my brother, he has no sex appeal” and “I want to ride to battle, but now I’ve lost my horse.” Given this description, this mighty song is easily a favourite on the album.
No album is usually complete without a slow track and ‘Yggrasil’ provides the perfect calming down before heading into battle again. It’s a beautiful ballad that will bring Vikings and shieldmaidens together for some much-needed intimacy and contains a combination of powerful voices.
Fans of Viking Metal and all other sub genres alike now have a new party song, titled ‘The Mead Song’ and it will encourage non-stop partying and letting down of hair. Everything from the merry beats to the shouting chants screaming “MEAD” and “ANOTHER” will go down well with fans and new listeners alike. Theoretically, this song will go down a treat with those experiencing it live.
It ends on a triumphant note with the song ‘We Believe In Metal’. This song is a grand climax to the album, yet it still leaves you wanting more. With this re-release, it’s evident that 2019 will be the year Brothers Of Metal invade the airwaves and venues alike to spread their powerful message.
AXE TIME, SWORD TIME are the battle cries everyone will be hearing and chanting before you know it.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Death Of The God Of Light
02. Son Of Odin
03. Prophecy Of Ragnarök
04. Defenders Of Valhalla
05. Concerning Norns
06. Yggdrasil
07. Tyr
08. Siblings Of Metal
09. Gods Of War
10. Freya
11. The Mead Song
12. Sleipnir
13. Fire Blood And Steel
14. We Believe In Metal
LINKS:
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