This is a project I have been following via an online music platform, thankfully those “you might also like” tags work well; David Nilsson, who is the vocalist of Swedish death metal band Feral, forms it. He handled all music, lyrics and performance with some guest musicians brought into battle for some solo stuff. I say into battle, as this is nothing like Feral. It is pure “Epic” heavy metal akin to Brocas Helm, Manilla Road, Eternal Champion, Visigoth, Ironsword and Cirith Ungol (reviewer catches breath!). If myth and fantasy are your thing, this is another artist to add to an ever-growing list of “good bands”.
‘Bloodlied Talons’ is pure battle hard metal. Nilsson’s clean vocal is quite haunting and laden in reverb, but provides a great ambience. The energy of the riffs may take you to the American scene just that little touch more; I love guitar gallops and they are here right front and centre. Continuing in the same vein is ‘Defying the Gates’. This has little sections of melody in accompaniment of the guitar driven invasive battle charge. ‘Labyrinthian Black’ is very vibrant at its start, prior to entering a real groove (not that type of groove!) reminiscent of recent upstarts Thundersson. The power of the “riff” is key to Mace ‘N’ Chains and it’s perfectly presented during ‘By the Peal of Thunder’. The musical movement is nice a varied, but this is also, where the effects on the vocal lose some of their power in the mix. There is a great re-birth, that comes from around the 2:40 mark which is a truly awesome section of music that really gets your fists flying and blood flowing.
‘Fountain of Voices’ sounds to me like “Garden”-era Cathedral, the track has light and shade with a distinct vocal tone. I would describe this one as more dreamy and sedate compared to the other tracks I have mentioned previously. ‘The Key to Ancient Riddles’ returns to folklore and an ancient quest depicted by the theme and vibe I am gaining from this release. ‘Upon the Anvil Formed’ has a ripping riff at its start then continues into staccato driven US-Metal inspired music that subsides and transfers to an awesome level of power prior to the vocals starting. There is an opportunity here for a piece of live audience participation with plenty of oo’s and ah’s reminiscent of a Maiden concert.
When you hear someone like me saying monster riffs and melody, check out the triumphant ‘Mound of Ashen Skulls’, there is riff after riff that changes into a great prog section. The epic metal greats of old are very much represented here. To this point, Mace ‘N’ Chains was created by Nilsson to pay homage to such metal greats he grew up listening too.
Among Ancient Pillars is a strong release, I like the production, but I have felt a little lost on some of the mixes if I have to be critical. That said, what we have here is just as awesome and the many other “epic metal” bands. There is a bright dawn ahead, the enemies will fall, glory to the mighty whilst you wander among these ancient pillars of metal power, energy and masterful “riffs”.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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