Wow. Ok where to start. This to me is a fantasy album. Written in the realm of men but by mortals who are wrestling with greater themes than can be contained in our modern age. But it is not deep into mythical story telling instead it is very down to earth and sticks to themes you might encounter at your daily standup or on a blood-soaked field in middle earth. This is Tolkien if he had written songs about Conan and Krull. If Bill and Ted had been shipmates of Agamemnon, Achilles, and Odysseus on their time traveling adventures. The lyrics are not royal, sophisticated or philosophical but written more from the perspective of a mere warrior who has been battlefield promoted to a position beyond his ability. The arrangement is definitely metal with choruses of heavy low strung guitars but the lyrics are not screamed they are beautifully delivered with strength but control. This is not a battle axe but an expertly wielded broad sword. This is not a metal opera of screaming guitar solos and thrashing long hair but more of an epic about a voyage of discovery and hardship. The highlight of this album for me was “Skeleton of Splendor” Listen to this with over-the-ear headphones because you probably do not have big enough speakers to handle the angst and if you did the neighbors will call the cops. Needs a heavy black ale that you dont drink cause its taste awful but just let it sit in front of you for contemplation.
(recommendation origin: Anonymous)
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