Dragonheart – The Dragonheart’s Tale
Dragonheart – The Dragonheart’s Tale
Rockshots Records
Release Date: 25/08/23
Running Time: 52:33
Review by Laura Barnes
8.5/10
Ready your swords and fill up your flagons! Dragonheart are back with a new album of trad power metal goodness. Formed in 1997, this Brazilian band have been slinging out belters of sword and sorcery for over twenty years. “The Dragon Heart’s Tale” sees the return of original frontman Eduardo Marques after he left the band in 2002. Will this return signal the beginning of a new era for the band? Let’s find out!
When it comes to the silliness inherent in power metal, Dragonheart are all in. This is most notable in the brief pockets of narration that are interspersed throughout the album, and the campier, more anthemic tracks such as ‘Under The Black Flag’ and ‘The Ballad of John Cursed’. ‘Under The Black Flag’ contains verses that harken back to the time of NWOBHM, before transitioning into a jolly ol’ chorus of seafaring and piracy. While listeners may receive uncomfortable flashbacks to a time when Alestorm were popular (Yuck!), it is undeniable that this is a well-crafted song, and at over five minutes long it is more ambitious than one would expect. Meanwhile, ‘The Ballad of John Cursed’ channels the legendary Tenacious D as Dragonheart tell the story of a bard that steals the devil’s mead. The acoustic riffs and folky ambience makes this track an absolute standout; any fantasy fan will eat this shit up for lunch. ‘Eric, The Red’ probably does the best job of merging bardic-type storytelling with slick metal songwriting. The guitar melodies are full of feeling, and the lyrics tell the story of a badass – albeit run-of-the-mill – warrior. Performed live, this one is sure to get the crowd singing.
‘Barbarian Armada’ demonstrates just how heavy Dragonheart can go. Marques blurs the line between clean and harsh vocals here, channelling a genuine aggression that I didn’t know Dragonheart had in them. Those who prefer their metal a bit more traditional will enjoy ‘Westgate Battlefield’. It reminds me of Iron Maiden’s ‘Speed of Light’ – fast, powerful, and unrelenting. The biggest surprise of this album however was the finale track, ‘Early Days’. Here, all the passion, love and friendship that lies at the core of Dragonheart is put on full display. The song is really an ode to both the power of imagination, and the unforgettable memories Dragonheart have made during their 20+ years of making music. Hardcore fans will easily pick up on and enjoy all the references to their previous albums here, and new fans will be moved by the sheer emotion present on this song. This track adds a beautiful personal touch to “The Dragonheart’s Tale” that truly elevates the whole album.
Some may consider this to be power metal that does what it says on the tin, but this in no way means that Dragonheart are simply ‘going through the motions’. “The Dragonheart’s Tale” is an album with a big heart, forged in an environment of playfulness and love. The joy inherent to this album is infectious, and those who tune in will be left with a renewed excitement towards both metal and life.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Willy’s Tavern
02. Dragonheart’s Tale
03. Act 1: Sea, Waves, and Gunpowder
04. Under The Black Flag
05. Ghost of the Storm
06. Barbarian Armada
07. Act 2: Battle, Honor and Blood
08. Eric, The Road
09. Westgate Battlefield
10. Act 3: Magic, Anvil, and Fire
11. The Devil Is By My Side
12. Plague Maker
13. Finale: The Bard
14. The Ballad of John Cursed
15. Early Days
LINE-UP:
Eduardo Marques – Vocals, Guitars
Marco Caporasso – Guitars, Vocals
Thiago Mussi – Drums
Felipe Mata – Bass
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Laura Barnes 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.
