I’ve listened to this band previously on a music platform, this is their debut full length album. Morgul Blade are full of sorcery, fantasy, you may know what to expect right?
Musically, yes, especially the gallop to ‘A Last Waltz of Gevaudan’. However, the vocals, I find rather different to what you may come to expect. It’s quite raspy and gnarly, nearly similar to the bark of Martin Walkyier (Sabbat/Skyclad), but not quite. May be even early Children of Bodom for vocals too. Odd you think? Its works on some levels not on others. ‘In the Grip of the Dark Lord’ is a touch like some Warlord material, Morgul Blade have the epic nature nailed for this one, it’s a drinking song, just have a listen to the tempo and the “manly” low end vocal! ‘Sons of the Night’ changes character again. Oh I’m gonna have to use it…an “epic” tune, galloping, I like the time signature of the guitars and drums. My challenge to this one is not with the music, I’m just not comfortable with vocal style with this music style, it just doesn’t capture to essence of the style.
‘The Five Will Ride at Dawn’ really fits like a glove, Medieval Steel styled, with My Dying Bride gloomy vocals prior to the rasp igniting again. Oh the Eternal Champions amongst you, ‘The Beacons Must Be Lit!’ would sit well. For me, the stand out track of the album. You get what you expect, nothing more or nothing less. I don’t find anything unique in the arrangements to what has been heard previously in a few different quarters, maybe I need a drink in the tavern?!
Overall, yes I get the concept, I get the music. I don’t like the vocals so much in places, it just feels out of character for me personally. The artwork is stunning I have to admit.
(6.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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