Wolfheart – Draconian Darkness
Wolfheart – Draconian Darkness
Reigning Phoenix Music
06/09/2024
Running Time: 39:29
Review by Oli Gonzalez
10/10
Have you ever revisited a band after several years? Have you ever done this and remembered everything that was phenomenal about them and what made you initially fall in love? That’s been my experience with Finland’s Wolfheart and their soon to be released effort “Draconian Darkness”. For you see, they’ve brought their brand of Melodic Death Metal to all corners of the globe in an extensive touring schedule, yet it was almost 7 years to do the day where I was introduced to anthems such as ‘The Flood’ and ‘World On Fire’. It was the blazing lead guitar solos, the ferocious intensity and relentless pace all underpinned by a wonderful melodic quality that won me over. Characteristics I was hoping would be present on the band’s latest record…
…and boy, that’s exactly what I got! Right from the outset, I knew Wolfheart were not here to play games! All these ingredients are on full display with the pacing of the album absolutely pristine! You can find yourself enamoured by elegantly crafted melodic passages, often composed via the use of acoustic instruments or other ambient synth notes. You can then find yourself having your senses obliterated by the skull crushing intensity you’d expect from a Melodic Death Metal band hailing from Finland!
Lead vocalist Tuomas gives one of his stronger performances with his trademark fierce midrange growl, a growl that can strike awe and fear into the hearts of men yet still retains a much needed clarity and diction. No musical passage ever feels recycled nor outstays its welcome. Each song has its own identity yet still speaks true to the Wolfheart brand.
So, which songs stand out? Two for me, though the whole album is a masterpiece.
‘Scion Of The Flame’ is an early highlight. Right from the outset we see the instruments locking in with mechanical precision to produce a neck-snapping and muscular rhythmic maelstrom. This is enhanced tenfold with the austere and spinechilling operatic vocals adding a melodic focal point. Yet this is only the introduction! Borrowing elements from Symphonic Metal and clean vocal passages, the song packs a lot into 4 minutes yet nothing ever feels rushed or misplaced. A solid anthem!
Wolfheart save their best for last with ‘The Gale’! Proceedings kick off with a gorgeously constructed acoustic opening lulling you into a false sense of security, before pulverising your senses with that trademark balls-to-the-walls intensity. Some of the guitar riffs are an absolute melodic masterclass… and then there’s the guitar solo. THE GUITAR SOLO. This got replayed multiple times, make no mistake about that! No glitz or fancy bits. Just a solid riff played with emotion and a gorgeous tone! This instantly made me want to revisit the whole album. I did. Multiple times. If you have time for only one song, make it this. If this won’t sell you on Wolfheart, nothing will.
Overall, “Draconian Darkness” represents everything that is wonderful about Wolfheart in what is a Melodic Death Metal clinic! Add this to your playlists, pre-save, buy the CD… Do what you have to do. Just get your ears on this work of art!
TRACKLISTING
01. Ancient Cold
02. Evenfall
03. Burning Sky
04. Death Leads The Way
05. Scion Of The Flame
06. Grave
07. Throne Of Bones
08. Trial By Fure
09. The Gale
LINE-UP
TUOMAS SAUKKONEN – guitar / vocals.
JOONAS KAUPPINEN – drums.
LAURI SILVONEN – bass / vocals.
VAGELISS KARZIS – lead guitar / vocals.
LINKS
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
