fantasy metal

Illusions of Grandeur – The Siren

Illusions of Grandeur – The Siren
Revulsion of Spirit Records/Universal Music Group
Release Date: 30/10/2021
Running Time: 54:16
Review by Victor Augusto
9/10

Hello readers of my nonsense thoughts! How have you been? Today I want to call myself ‘Victor – The Errant’. Why are you ‘The Errant’, Victor? The answer is nothing related to literature, but just to have a character that represents myself. A person who is always erring in my review intros, maybe even in the entire content! But I also wanted to be like the members of this amazing band, who each have a specific character. Before I start my major erring (otherwise known as my review), let’s talk with each other a bit (Victor and his schizophrenic mode turning on). It wasn’t so long ago that I heard Illusions of Grandeur for the first time, with their debut album “The Siren Saga”. I immediately became a fan and I was lucky to receive this birthday gift right after I discovered the band.

So, let me take you on a journey, to try to pass everything I felt or understood from this saga, and my impressions of the history that I am describing. Maybe it is not exactly what the band wanted to express, but that’s the beauty of music, and all the more reason for you to listen to the album.

My first impression of the first album was that the Siren, the main character interpreted by the vocalist Maggie, suffered metamorphosis when punished and became the siren. It delivered a feeling of anger, and described the deaths, mainly of the sailors, as she looked to find peace from all that hate. In this album, the second part, it more new fights, that include wolves, witches, and new tricks from a new battle. From what I understood from the lyrics, the Siren is being constantly challenged by many obstacles and always keeping her mind strong enough to survive it.

Musically there is a smooth change as well. “The Siren Saga” has calmer moments, like laments, maybe caused by the physiological metamorphosis, which the siren was passing though. Here, the aggressiveness is more present, that brings a dynamic of the battles the Siren fights. The spirit of the band has transitioned in the same way. They’re something akin to traditional Heavy Metal but with a lot of groove. This album is clearly heavier, though. The already mentioned groove is even stronger, alongside faster passages, and more excitement by all, create a heaviness even stronger than it was originally.

Ares – Ted Domzalski on the drums, worked harder to put in faster double bass work and good variations alongside the tracks. Executioner – Julian Yeager on guitars, offers amazing riffs and solos. I like how his solos are short but good, with an excellent solo in ‘Take Me Alive’, where he could explore more than the other tracks.

The partners in crime Archangel Michael – CM Carroll on bass, and The Siren – Maggie Carlton on vocals, completes Illusion of Grandeur. CM puts a lot of feeling and understanding into the context needed in terms of compositions. Maggie interprets the themes and how she acts in her character incredibly. Her way of performing brought to mind how Ronnie James Dio used to be. It is not only a matter of having a good and aggressive voice. It is all the passion she puts into interpreting it. From the pleading vocal in ‘The Wolf’, to lamenting vocal in ‘Everlasting Fire’ her work is terrific.

As I’ve said, this is an aggressive album, as we can hear on opening song ‘Crossing Over’. But there are few moments of calm, mainly on the second half of the album, like in the closing song ‘Falling’. There is a strong groove around the spirit of a classic metal band and that lets the sound be powerful. My impression is that the band also thought about the theatrical side as well. Take a look at the videos for this album. You can see the entire band are in character on it, and this concept is a good one for visual content. Why not do an entire video covering all songs, like a movie? It would be awesome.

By the way, please stop everything you are doing now, including reading this, and go and listen to the song ‘Prophet’ (or watch the video). This is the band’s best song in my humble opinion. I guarantee you’ll be crazy about this insane song. If you love it, return here to finish reading. If you don’t enjoy it, return here anyway! =)

Ok, let me stop my wandering review before it turns to something as extended as the Old Testament from the Bible. I will just say that I recommend you listen to this album with considerable attention. “The Siren” is full of emotions and adventures. It is also full of mature compositions and is very well interpreted by all musicians. It is like you are really being hypnotized by the Siren, singing to connect you with the band. They are, for sure, one of the best bands I’ve discovered recently!

‘The Prophet’ – Official Music Video

TRACKLISTING:
01. Crossing Over
02. The Wolf
03. Prophet
04. Upon My Life
05. Down
06. A Silence
07. We Ryse
08. Take Me Alive
09. Demons
10. The Storm
11. Everlasting Fire
12. Falling

LINE-UP:
The Siren – Maggie Carlton – Vocals
Archangel Michael – CM Carroll – Bass
Executioner – Julian Yeager – Guitar
Ares – Ted Domzalski – Drum

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Victor Augusto 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.

Grimgotts – Tales, Sagas & Legends

Grimgotts – Tales, Sagas & Legends
Stormspell Records
Release Date: 07/05/2021
Running Time: 67:00
Review by Simon Black
7/10

Named after the goblin run fictional bank in the Harry Potter franchise and originally starting off life as a parody act of that story arc, Britain’s Grimgotts have now branched off into their own fantasy world and stories – presumably because cease and desist letters from J.K. Rowling’s brand protection lawyers can have that effect on a band. This third full length album is actually a re-release of the trilogy of EP’s they released gradually over 2020, which have been repackaged and remastered for this release and just so you don’t feel hard done by they have thrown in a re-recording of ‘Fight Against the World’ from their first album, recent single ‘Grimgotts Calling’ and an orchestral extra ‘Lost Chapters’ which helpfully powers through the story arc with a narrated section.

Musically this is an interesting Euro Power and Folk Metal fusion project, although the Power is definitely the predominate voice in the first EP. “Tales” is definitely the weakest part of this composite release, but unfortunately you need to get through it first. The four tracks, although competent have little to differentiate from each other in terms of tone and frankly if you listen to one of the four songs, you have the measure of the four.

Although, obviously written as one arc and remastered, they clearly were not recorded together as the constituent parts do sound so distinctly different and to be honest the sound improves as the arc progresses. As indeed does the writing, playing and pretty much every aspect of the recording as the team hit their stride with this second EP (and again indeed for the final part). The use of some more growling voices in the mix also helps provide some tonal contrasts, as indeed is a general upping of the Folk ante beyond the Alestorm style sea shanty nods on the “Tales” segment, with ‘Plunder, Loot And Chantey’ being the most obvious example, although the instrumental work gets way more technically proficient than you would expect from that corner of the genre. In fact, the guitar work on this segment of the album is an absolute joy, although bizarrely is more restrained elsewhere.

The final “Legends” EP segment seems to effectively fuse and balance the Power / Folk struggle and create a slightly more distinctive and cohesive, if less technical sound. The song structures are a bit cleaner too and less rambling, although overall it’s still missing a stand out lead song for everyone to wave their phone lights to when we all can finally get into a live arena (although the anthemic chorus of ‘Land of Tomorrow’ comes pretty darn close). To be honest this EP is head and shoulders above the other two, as they really seem to have found their stride with this section and the song-writing, performances and use of multiple voices make for a much stronger and more powerful delivery style. They also strike the tonal balance perfectly with these four songs, which are all very different in pace and style from each other and also do a better job of communicating the story arc. To be brutally honest, if the first two segments had been of this calibre, then overall my rating would have been much, much higher.

Of the extra tracks, ‘Fight Against the World’ achieves the one thing the three EP’s don’t quite manage – a distinctive trademark song to pull the punters in, but unfortunately given that it’s been around for a long while I can’t really count it. By the same rule ‘Grimgotts Calling’ can’t be counted either, although it’s definitely got the catchy shanty aspects down pat.

If you can get beyond the relatively weak opening segment this is entertaining and enjoyable stuff, but does lack a clear and distinctive ‘everyman’ track or two to hang your hat on in, although the extras demonstrate that they can write them perfectly well. The “Legends” EP is by far the best of the three, but hearing the arc develop has its strengths as well and overall, this is not a bad release which allows you to see a growth and progression in their work.

“Tales, Sagas & Legends” (Official Full Album)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Fight ‘Till The End
02. For The Power
03. The Dawnbringer
04. Reign Of Might
05. Northern Passage
06. Rise Again
07. Plunder, Loot & Chantey
08. Sagas
09. The Boys Of Boone
10. Land Of Tomorrow
11. The Edge Of The World (To What Lies Beyond)
12. Kinsman
13. Fight Against The World
14. Grimgotts Calling
15. Lost Chapters

LINE-UP:
Andy Barton – Vocals
David Hills – Guitars
Fabio Garau – Keyboards
Nelson Moreira – Bass
Mo Abdelgadir – Drums

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Simon Black 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.

Snær – Frozen Alchemy

Snær – Frozen Alchemy
Self-Released
Release Date: 12/03/2021
Running Time: 41:10
Review by Rick Eaglestone
7/10

Maine’s Snær entwine legend and fantasy with their debut album “Frozen Alchemy”.

The aptly titled ‘Into’ eerily could’ve been placed into ‘The VVitch: A New-England Folktale’ movie soundtrack, whereas the doom laden ‘Black Stain’ tells the tale of local legend Colonel Buck, who burned his witch mistress at the stake and, as she burned, she cursed him to have a stain for all eternity – The drumming on this track really stands out for me.

Coming in with blackened thrash elements, both ‘Rise Of The Sea Ghouls’ & ‘Black Bear Mauling’ tear away relentlessly, before the longest track and my personal highlight ‘Endless Suffering’. The melodic intro feels really emotional, almost in the same vein as Metallica’s ‘Fade To Black’, it then changes pace various times, but still maintains that melodic tone throughout.

The title track ‘Frozen Alchemy’ is Snær’s ‘Black Sabbath’ with slow purposeful bass tones, menacing drums and absolutely gripping guitar riff. It is quite fitting then that the track is about a secret magical practice brought to Maine by Viking Shaman.

I really enjoyed the instrumental ‘Snær’ as it fits well within the landscape of the album and the marching beat of ‘March To The Ovens’ encapsulates the band’s philosophy, the extermination of the entire human race.

Finally, a very ambitious cover of Bathory’s ‘The Return Of Darkness And Evil’ completes the album. Now, not only do I love this track, but this is a great cover and really suits vocalist Joseph Doome incredibly well, in fact, so much so, that I actually went back and replayed the whole album again.

‘Black Stain’ (Audio)

TRACKLISTING:
01. Intro
02. Black Stain
03. Ghouls Of The Sea
04. Black Bear Mauling
05. Endless Suffering
06. Frozen Alchemy
07. Snær
08. March Of The Ovens
09. The Return Of Darkness And Evil (Bathory Cover)

LINE-UP:
Joseph Doome – Lead Vocals/Bass
Jeffrey Lloyd Snader – Lead Guitar
Conrad Lausier – Drums

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Rick Eaglestone 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.

Q&A with ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

Q&A with ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

Hello Everyone – Maggy recently got the chance to do a Q&A with ‘The Siren’, vocalist of Lancaster, PA Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band, Illusions Of Grandeur. Big thanks to all of them!

What is your name, what do you do, and can you tell us a little bit about how you ended up doing it?

This is Maggie, The Siren. I am the vocalist, lyric and melody writer for Illusions of Grandeur. I’ve been in music my entire life. My dad is a musician and when I was a kid, he would take my brother and I to band practice. I started singing, on stage, when I was 4. I was always in chorus, theatre, and musicals. At 15, I was in my first band and I haven’t stopped since.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

Our band is from Pennsylvania, United States. Metal is alive and well here. Many of our friends are in metal bands. As far as the type of metal we play, I think we do best overseas. They seem to embrace the fantasy metal, costumes, and war paint. Not that they don’t here in the US, the crowds are just way more receptive.

What is your favourite latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

Korn – “The Nothing”

Who have been your greatest influences, in music or in life?

Korn, In This Moment, Judas Priest, Pantera, Queen, Janis Joplin.

What first got you into music?

Music is like water to me. I need it and couldn’t live without it. My dad is the reason I’m in music. I have so many memories of my dad and music, from going to band practice with him, to trips in the car with the windows down singing at the top of our lungs, to those warm summer days with the windows opened and the music just carrying through the whole house. And, of course, the occasional concert. I’ll never forget sitting next to DJ Kool with my dad, mom, and brothers at a George Clinton and the P-Funk band concert. Music is a part of me. I love it as if it were a person.

Which current bands or musicians would you like to see collaborate on a record?

Korn and In This Moment.

If you could go to any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Wacken. It’s the biggest metal festival in the world…at least to my knowledge. Closely followed by Rock n’ Rio. I have friends in Rio who have asked us to play there. Not to mention what a beautiful and amazing festival.

What’s the weirdest music related thing you own?

Weirdest…hmmm…that’s a tough one. We have some old mics that we use to record drums sometimes. Forgive me, I’m not sure what kind they are. We also have a twelve-string bass that has made many appearances live with IOG.

If you had one message for your Ever Metal readers, what would it be?

Take nothing for granted! Life’s too short to not be doing what you love. Be kind to your fellow human, and live your life to the fullest. You never know when it will all be over. Live long and rock 🤘🏻

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Oh goodness, this is always a very difficult question, and now especially since EVH is gone as well.

Dime, Freddie Mercury, Janis Joplin…I can never pick just one.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

No More Paying to Play. Anywhere. As if musicians don’t have a difficult enough time thriving, then they have to pay-to-play??? Are you kidding me??? I don’t think people realize everything that musicians are up against and all the money that goes into having a professional band…then you get offered a show and all you have to do is pay $1000 for a headliner spot…wait a minute. Shouldn’t that be based on talent and the bands ability to bring a crowd? I could go on forever about this, but that’s enough. You get my point lol.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Pantera – Vulgar Display Of Power

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I like them all for different reasons. I still think nothing sounds as good as vinyl, but of course that’s just my opinion. Cassettes are nostalgic for me. When I was a kid cassettes were the big thing, so there is some sentimental value there. CD’s are great merch and a great way for bands to physically put their music in someone’s hands. And downloads are just super convenient for the listener. Unfortunately, the band often gets pushed over on downloads. Either they are free or super inexpensive and the band makes very, very little off of their music.

What’s the best gig that you have been to, and why?

We played a festival in Smila, Ukraine and so far, it was the best. They were the most hospitable and welcoming people. From the moment we arrived, they were nothing short of amazing. We were unaware, but they had built the entire festival around us. They also took us to the centre of their town where they had us plant an “IOG tree”. I’ve gotten word that our tree is healthy and growing well. I think we took pictures after the show for almost two hours. While we were playing, I had women trying to hand me their kids, people screaming for us, and the best part…singing the lyrics even though they couldn’t understand all of them!!! I’ll never forget our time in Smila.

What do you get up to when you’re not writing/ taking photos?

I’m an exercise junkie. I work out 6 days a week, for about 3 hours a day.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Jonathan Davis, Maria Brink, Dimebag Darrell, Tatiana Shmayluk, and Lauren Tate

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Good question. Never had one.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Look for our second single, ‘Down’, coming to you December 16th, 2020! Music video to follow. Thanks so much for reading! Rock on! Find us here:

www.iogmusic.com/
www.instagram.com/iogmusic/
www.twitter.com/iogband
www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG/
www.music.apple.com/us/artist/illusions-of-grandeur/347575177
www.open.spotify.com/artist/5iIKuYKBnObOoKBIV78p0H
www.youtube.com/c/IllusionsofGrandeurTV

‘Crossing Over’ (Official Video)

LINE-UP:
The Siren – Vocals
CM – Bass
Taranis – Guitars
Thano – Guitars
Ares – Drums

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Maggy S Nell and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Article – Illusions Of Grandeur: The Siren Saga

Illusions Of Grandeur: The Siren Saga
By Maggy Von

Illusions Of Grandeur is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in Lancaster, PA.

The band is now part of Killsound productions as their booking agency.

I.O.G. took the PA and NJ scenes by storm, starting in 2015, and debuting “The Siren Saga” live show.

The Siren Saga is a story of the journeys, perils, and triumphs of the Siren and her warriors. The story mixes facts and fiction combining Greek and Norse Mythology, Sirens, Viking Warriors, Archangels and Kharon “The Ferryman”. The first part, “The Songs of the Siren”, was released on Pavement Records in 2019.

Since their formation, Illusions of Grandeur have toured in the United States as well as across the UK and Europe, and made appearances at various festivals including Sav Fest, Dewey Beach Music Festival and Witney Music Festival. I.O.G. has shared the stage with artists as varied as DOPE, Motograter, September Mourning, New Year’s Day, Puddle of Mudd and Otep. Illusions of Grandeur’s fierce and energetic live show has gained them a legion of fans dubbed “The Siren Nation” who follow them worldwide, at live shows, and on social media.

New video ‘Crossing Over’

The Story of The Siren:

The Siren was a winged creature with the body of a woman, feet and arms of a bird. She perched high on the flowery hilltops where she watched over and protected the Goddess Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter. From the tops of Mount Olympus, the Siren soared as a God. One warm, sweet spring solstice, Persephone innocently wandered off through a field of flowers. Intrigued by one in particular, a magical glowing flower, she reached out with both hands. The ground beneath her began to quake and opened into a large hollow. Confused from the fall, Persephone did not see Hades, God of the Underworld, until he was already upon her. Her screams echoed out of reach as Hades pulled her back to the Underworld where he intended to marry her.

The Siren failed in her sworn duty to protect Persephone. She was stripped of her wings by Goddess Demeter and banished from Mount Olympus to a tiny island off the coast of Sicily. She would remain on earth until she found Persephone and returned her home safely. This is now the Sirens journey. She must venture the Underworld and take Persephone from Hades. Frightened and unsure of her powers, she was lured to the seas, like a longing, calling to her soul. Once she reached the rocky cliffs, the mists from crashing waves, shown the shine of her new flesh, the scales and fins of a mermaid, a water Siren. Bound by this new skin, she must determine her new-found abilities and set forth to the task ahead. The Siren would learn that when she sang, she was irresistible to mortal men. She pillaged for their lives and used them to build an army, facing peril and surprises along the way. The challenge was unlike any she had faced before. Alone and haunted by her past, if she was to have any chance of success, it would mean pushing herself towards her own self-destruction.

MEMBERS:
The Siren – Maggie Carlton – Vocals
Archangel Michael – CM Carroll – Bass
Julian Yeager – Guitar
Ares – Ted Domzalski – Drums

LINKS:

Midgard – Tales Of Kreia

Midgard – Tales Of Kreia
Sliptrick Records
Release Date: 18/08/2020
Running Time: 48:36
Review By Beth Jones
7.5/10

Folk Metal! Some people love it, some might think ‘What the folk was that all about’! Personally, I love it, so am always happy to review a Folk Metal album. And next on my playlist is “Tales Of Kreia” the new release by Ukrainian Folk Metal four-piece, Midgard. Formed in 2015, this is their 3^rd studio album, and they have already made a pretty decent name for themselves in the folk metal world, supporting Finnish Folk Metal giants Ensiferum at their Kiev show. This new album is written entirely in a fantasy setting and explores various themes and moods within that world.

The album opens with ‘Necromancer’, which begins in a pretty standard folk metal way, giving you a comfortably familiar feeling. This only lasts for about 20 seconds, though, then the piece is taken over by thrash-esque riffs and rhythms. Unexpected, but pretty damn good, I can tell you. It then moves through a variety of transitions of genre, exploring melody and rhythm changes aplenty! It’s very skilfully done, and a great way to open the album.

Track 2, ‘The Horde’ is introduced by traditional instrumentation, then launches into some damn fine chunky riffs, and again plays a merry dance with variations around themes and genres.

In fact, this is true throughout the album. It’s littered with skilful riffage and rhythms, and explorations in combining traditional folk instruments with the heaviness of the more metal orchestrations. It’s great to bang your head to, but doesn’t become just another jaunty Folk Metal album, as some tend to do.

Another thing to mention is the vocal style of Klym Apalov. In the main, it’s a growl. But it’s a very tuneful growl, which impressed me. We also get the odd clean vocal, too, mainly in the folky sections, which adds a bit of variety.

The track that’s most recognisably Folk Metal is ‘Dworf King’. And for all those…er… young in mind, shall we say, it starts with an interesting sound effect that is bound to have a few of you tittering behind your hand, like naughty schoolboys! This track is very much a ‘grab a flagon of ale and do an over exaggerated stompy walk round in circles dance’ tune. Nothing wrong with that, like, but I’d go for Mead!

The final track ‘Ice Spirit’ begins with spoken word set over music, in the band’s mother tongue. This gives it a kind of ‘final battle pep talk’ feel, and creates an interesting mood. Again, this track explores various rhythmic and melodic themes, closing the album in the same way it began.

I think my favourite track on the album has to be, ‘Velmehazerun Dolian’. It’s hellishly pacey from the start and really sets your toes a-tapping! It’s quite spiky too, if you know what I mean? There’s a ton of gain on the rhythm guitars, and everything is very staccato, which gives it a real edginess. There’s also a stunning lead guitar solo in the middle of it, just before it drops off into a traditional folk interlude, because, well, why not!

Production wise, it’s all pretty tight too. A nice balance of sounds, and you can hear all the little folk twists coming through.

All in all, while it’s not completely ground-breaking, this is a very decent release from Midgard, which does step away from comfort zones a little, and is definitely worth a listen. It’s got a real groove, and there’s something in there for every musical taste, too (especially Thrash). So, even if you’re not usually into Folk Metal, I’d still give it a try.

TRACKLISTING:
01. Necromancer
02. The Horde
03. Velmehazerun Dolian
04. The Ring
05. Dworf King
06. Keeper Of Freedom
07. Reaper
08. Elven Blade
09. The Hunt
10. Black Widow
11. Ice Spirit

LINE-UP:
Klym Apalkov – Vocals
Roman Kuznietsov – Guitars
Alexandr Kudryavtsev – Drums
Maxim Shatilo – Bass

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones 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.

Krull – The Black Coast

Krull – The Black Coast
Iron Shield Records
Release date: 27/04/2018
Running Time: 42.32
Review by: Alun Jones
6/10

KRULL! Did you ever see the movie? It’s GREAT! On the ancient world of Krull, Prince Colwyn brings together a band of scoundrels to help him rescue Princess Lyssa from the clutches of the evil Beast, who threatens to conquer the planet. It’s a sci-fi fantasy adventure with a Cyclops, cool weapons, vile baddies, Tucker Jenkins and Lysette Anthony. I mean seriously, you need to see this film. How metal does it sound? Even the bad guys are called “Slayers”!

The band Krull occupy a musical space which is openly very inspired by fantasy, battles and all things sword and sorcery. And right from the off, it’s a whole lot of fun. The atmospheric intro “In the Woods” grabs the listener and plunges them into the ethereal world that Krull have concocted, and it’s pretty much full on from there.

Pace-wise, “The Black Coast” is like riding shotgun in a barbarian’s chariot, charging an army of Orcs. Stand out tracks for me included “By Steel” and “The King and the Sword”, but the whole album is energetic traditional metal. If you’re a fan of Priest, Maiden and the mighty Manowar you’ll find something to enjoy here. Only midway track “Valhalla” slows things down a little, otherwise it’s a fast and brutal campaign.

So why only 6 out of 10? Well there are lots of plus points with this album. The vocals are suitably bonkers, ranging from powerful cries, deep growls to a high pitched, witchy cacophony. The musicianship is great, and the rhythm section successfully keep the march relentless. The songs are fast and filled with fantastic tales of battles and bravery.

But the guitar tone was just off for me. I like something with more crunch; more skull smashing intensity. After the cool intro, first track “The Witch”, whilst a great song, suffers from a languid guitar sound that slices the records hamstrings before the fight is really on.

Don’t misunderstand me, the playing is great – it’s the production that’s slightly lacking. The guitars should be much more axe in the face, blood and brains everywhere.

There’s still a lot to recommend Krull’s “The Black Coast” though. Especially if you dig your metal as a soundtrack to a rampaging berserker, attacking a horde of evil ghouls.

Oh, and get down to your local Blockbuster and rent the Krull video. You won’t regret it. It makes Lord of the Rings look like a bad Dungeons and Dragons game in a crack den…!

TRACKLISTING:
01. In the Woods – Intro
02. The Witch
03. By Steel
04. Marching to Mountains
05. Valhalla
06. The King and the Sword
07. Immortals
08. Stand fight to Kill
09. The Black Coast

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Alun Jones 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.

Homerik – Homerik

Homerik – Homerik
Homerik Productions
Release Date: 31/10/2017
Running Time: 46:33
Reviewed by Dawn “The Metal Priestess” King
6.5/10

I always knew when Rick at Ever Metal asked me to do him a favour and review a band for him that it was not going to be a run of the mill band. I knew there was going to be diversity and that there was a very good chance that I wouldn’t like the album. I think Rick assumed that too, and how I love proving him wrong.

Homerik are an American band formed in New York City but after listening to the album, you could assume that they had, in fact, come from anywhere in the world, and this is where the diversity comes in.

A trio comprising of composer and lyricist, Kenneth Candelas and two further lyricists, Andrew Petriske and Obed Gonzalez, they are a melting pot of different cultures and musicianships. Unsatisfied with mainstream metal and the amount of “regurgitated” stuff around at the moment, they wanted people to look into the possibilities of metal and how such a brutal genre could be made into something beautiful and unique.

Andrew and Ken both derive their inspiration from the many genres of metal the band are influenced by, but, as a whole, they are not shy of exploring other genres of music.

Swayed by their interests which include (to name a few) Ancient Egypt, Dark Fantasy, Lord of the Rings, Norse Mythology and Game of Thrones, they have orchestrated a force of guitars, drums, bassoon (how often do you hear of one of those in metal music!?) piano, brass and strings, that would be worthy of the inclusion into any film score. All this is complemented by the mystifying and alto vocal work of Carla Candelas and Nilsa Astacio, who, combined together, make a chillingly beautiful narrative of a little girl who suffers reoccurring nightmares of abuse and neglect.

Classed by themselves on their Facebook page as Symphonic, Progressive Death Metal, I would also like to add “atmospheric.” With influences such as (deep breath here) Nightwish, Wintersun, Nile, Deicide, Behemoth, Symphony X, Children of Bodom, King Diamond, Opeth, Epica and Kamelot (and that wasn’t all of them!) it is easy to see elements of every one of these bands showing throughout the music and the band can easily switch from one sound to the next, showing great diversity and, above all, talent!

Says Obed Gonzalez: “what you are about to listen to is a project made by people, for people, and for it to unify the world and their peoples.” If any band could manage to unify the world with their music, then this band could. With classic death metal vocals to accompany the symphonic aspects of the band, there are also the sounds of Asia and the Middle East all thrown in for good measure.

This album is not going to appeal to everyone, but even then, it has an approachability to all music listeners whether they are devout music fans or not!

If you like your metal straight forward and in your face then don’t buy this album, but if you like something a bit different, a bit atmospheric and a bit eccentric even, then this is the album for you.

I liked it, proving Rick and, probably myself, wrong…..you might just do!

TRACKLISTING:
01. Into the Pits of Oblivion 01:53
02. Unforgotten Kin 03:14
03. An Angel of Darkness 04:49
04. Curse of the Black Nile 05:45
05. The “Ire” of Green 03:58
06. Wendigo 05:00
07. The Balance of Power 05:39
08. Bread and Circuses 03:22
09. A Song of the Night: Part I 07:15
10. The Legion 05:35

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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dawn “The Metal Priestess” King 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 do adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities