CD Review: Thanateros - Tranceforming (Folk Metal, 2024)

I've not been into Folk Rock before but this release turned my head and made me curious on the contribution of this particular art to the music scene.

One day I opened up my postbox and a bubble letter came to the front. It came as a surprise as physical Compact Discs are a rare promo material that hardly comes in at all. The content revealed a mysterious horned artwork on the booklet and a backside cover with a CD.

The album art let's you imagine the content already.

There was no chance I had to listen to the CD. After a brief introduction the album opens up with a heavy track called "The Horned One". Besides the great drum intro the song itself was a bit of overload for me as the guitars are very dominant.

Anyway I'm glad to continue the journey as the next song "Everything Decays" turns out to come with a infectious hookline that doesn't allow to ignore the release once heard. Happily the release changes during the total running time of nearly 50 minutes. After the heavy first songs the music turns into more dream like softer tunes that allow to let go of our everyday sorrows. 

It allowed me to change into a universe of peace, inspiration, self reflection and looking upon topics out of sight for most of our troubled everyday existence. It all starts with "I Hold You" and continues on most of the following tracks except "Raise Your Voices" which ones again picks up more of the rough sides of the band.

I loved "Traceforming" most in all those times when the mood and atmosphere are coming to life. The violin that can be heard is such a fine instrument that adds a layer of special life to each of those softer tracks. The harder ones at least on this release weren't my favorites besides "Everything Decays" because of it's massive sing-along-chorus. 

The sound of this Thanateros release is outstanding. It shines crystal clear, powerful but also not too massive through the speakers and is a warmly welcomed element adding massively to the great performance of the musicians. All people that worked on this release must have put a lot of time and effort into this one. 

Having a look at the packaging reveals more joy as the booklet comes packed with fine and detailed band member pictures, full album lyrics and dedicated album art on every part no matter if it is front, inlay or backside cover. Because of it's massive sound and work on detail I recommend to pick up the physical version available from the band's website. It's well worth to spend on music - it holds joy for years to come if treated properly.

A download of the record is available on the Thanateros Bandcamp page. That's also the place where several single releases taken of the album are on offer if you prefer hand selected tracks. 

      

CD Review: Inner Siege - Fury Of Ages (Power Metal,2021)

Had a good time on most of the album also some tracks shine brighter than others.  

Colored vinyl and a printed jacket should please collectors.

The grand opening "Calling For Violence" surprised me quite well. Giving a midtempo punch it let's you come in slowly to the bands sound. The refrain calls for some scream along in live situations and it woke my interest to hear more of the "Fury Of Ages" album.

Happily "Reborn" track number two continues the good start. In contrast to the opener it changes more often throughout it's duration. The song keeps a constant riffing as a base but adds slight moments of excitement in. High screams and well placed guitar intermezzos shine.

"Firewind" speeds it all up. I'm glad to hear the cranking up doesn't ruin the sound. It's kept straight foward and the joy-factor intact. Keep the volume adjustment low, this feels great on moderate level.

Some guitar wizardy is shown on the short intermezzo "Virtuos Iniquity" before "Echoes Into Eternity" let's a high scream out. Being a good riff shooter this let's us headbang further and mixes some midtempo stop-overs into it's passages - something I love to hear.

"World Of Darkness" is a solid track but didn't resonate so well than the previous songs. Same goes for "Power.Metal.Glory" also sure it has a great refrain with it.

I love to hear the band from the United States keeps the sound on a more clear tone most of the time also on some moments I'd like to have less high tones in the sound. "Iron Lotus" is a negative example for that. I got on my nerves with the many solo sections on it.  

On "Stronghold" parallels to the great band Hammerfall come to my mind. It has a more narrative way of speaking to the audience and the refrain rushes into my heart quickly. Some high screams are placed well. 

The album becomes more direct and on-point soundwise when the album comes towards the end. The tenth track "Hero" and the closing riffer "World on fire" are such tracks. The vocals are variable and you feel they have been painfully worked on many times but the result should make all headbangers out there happy.

The album is available as a CD as well as colored vinyl with lyrics-printed jacket. Please check out one song below and consider a purchase to increase touring chances for these guys.

CD Review: Graveshadow - Ambition's Price (Symphonic Metal, 2018)

Everything comes at a price in life. What is the price you pay for your ambitions?

The cover of Graveshadow's album "Price Of Ambition", (c) by Graveshadow, used with kind permission

Summary
On the first look you may think of this band as one of the many out there playing the all so well known symphonic genre. But taking a real ear reveals that there is not only the standard sounds to be heard.

In fact this one goes a bit more of the darker way. The voice is very present and it changes often from one verse just to another. So in one second you'll catch some lightweight and silk sound and will be confronted with the dark and rough tonality at the very next just around the corner. This may sound impossible but this is possible to fit into the song structures and Graveshadow form it to be a enjoyable experience.

It still remains to be headbangable stuff but it offers stuff with more depth. The songs vary and every one of them expresses something of it's own. It's like stations on a journey - every station comes with it's own colour, sound and content.

Darkness is to be found often but it comes in many different contrasts. There's light as well - you can party to most of the tracks of the second half of the record. All in all it's a solid album and the more progressive elements surely will find it's way into close analysis of any musician of the genre out there.

If you want to know straight away if this record is for you try the preview track below. It expresses what I've written above.

Preview Track & Purchase-Link and Contact-Links
You can pick up a physical copy of "Ambition's Price" straight out of the webshop of M-Theory Audio or get it from Graveshadow's Bandcamp site. You can also buy your package of songs digitally from the common retailers such as iTunes, Amazon or Spotify.

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