The UK has always been a bit of a tough place to be a Power Metal band. Ironic given that Iron Maiden are cited as one of Power Metal’s main influences, but basically, if you are not actually Iron Maiden, then for the last 30-odd years the UK mainstream Rock/Metal music press deem you irrelevant if you dare to even think about playing Power Metal (Other than if you are Dragonforce for some bizarre reason). So, what happens if you are a British band, clearly influenced by European Symphonic Power Metal??? Well – How Very Dare You!!! Luckily, nowadays if you are a Brit into the scene, there are plenty more open-minded Metal platforms on which to get your album noticed, so therefore, it is with unbridled joy in my heart that I welcome the debut album from UK Symphonic Power Metal band – Fellowship.
Although Fellowship can easily do the speed of the aforementioned Dragonforce or the melody of Power Quest, it’s the full force of the European Symphonic Power Metal scene that is clearly in their cape-covered hearts. Looking at their sound as a whole, there is plenty in there that references the older guard of Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody Of Fire, as well as elements of Dragonland, Freedom Call and Fairyland amongst others. All in all, with the backing of a label like Scarlet Records and sporting tracks of the calibre of ‘Oak and Ash’, there’s nothing to stop Fellowship being mentioned alongside current darlings of the scene like Twilight Force or Majestica, as they’re just as competent and deserving.
The dynamic, intricate guitar-work of Sam Browne and Brian Wosko easily back up the above statement, while the lightning drum-work of Callum Tuffen keeps the desired energy levels up for every track (there’s only one ballad in 12 speed-fuelled anthems!). There’s no real let up of pace on the whole album, and the interest levels never drop. So then, when you also add in the sincerely delivered, slightly lower-set than usually expected vocals of Matthew Corry (though he can easily hit the higher notes when he chooses), the Folkier undertones of Falconer or Elvenking might spring to mind and bring with them the realization that the way Fellowship are combining all these influences is giving them their own unique identity. “The Sabrelight Chronicles” is an album that encompasses the time-honoured spirit of Fantasy-based Power Metal, and with a plethora of seemingly inexhaustible anthemic feel-good choruses to display, crown an album that I’ve no doubt will be received with welcoming open arms by the Symphonic Power Metal fraternity throughout the world.
(8/10 Andy Barker)
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