Hammer King are back again and as you would expect, they bring another dose of Power Metal for you all. Album #3 “Poseidon Will Carry Us Home” breaks the tradition the band has so far set with regards to its naming habits (there isn’t a ‘King’ in its title), but there are plenty of royal references and name drops throughout its lyrics and the track list. There isn’t much else to say really other than it’s time to set sail and hope the seas don’t drag us under.
The title track of the album acts as its opening number and as you would expect, it has that ‘typical’ power metal vibe to it. The strong sounding riffs which are delivered at a deliberate and steady pacing have that slight infectious nature to them and the usual vocal delivery of prominent cleans delivered with authority help tell the story in the lyrics with minimal fuss. It’s a very standard Euro/Power Metal approach and that stereotypical dramatic flair most Power Metal is known for is all over this track, making it both silly sounding and serious at the same time. “The King Is A Deadly Machine” is again your typical faster paced power metal track. The tight rhythmic controls, pedal-tone riffing and dramatic vocal wailing mixed in with gang vocals and melodic spells make for another example of highly infectious music plenty will headbang to or raise a fist in the air for.
The folk-like melodic elements are back. Again, commonplace in this type of music, but the way they are utilized by Hammer King is highly effective. “Battle Of Wars” has a simple, almost Celtic feel with its melodic hooks and once they sink in, everything becomes familiar. Simplistic lyric patterns, chugging rhythm and tricky leads, it’s all simple and highly effective, guaranteed to be a hit in the live setting and a firm fan favourite. “Where The Hammer Hangs” brings a faster paced feel in places and a ripping display of lead guitar theatrics but the excitement it brings is thoroughly quashed by the pointless “Last Rites”, a 40 second track of pointless chanting of the band’s name; a blow to momentum if there ever was one.
After that, well… It just seems to be your typical power metal. “Glorious Night Of Glory” personifies every trope you can attribute to Power Metal. Highly theatrical vocals, cliché laden lyrics, infectious pseudo-folk guitar harmonies and that steady, unyielding rhythm the bass and drums lock it all down in. “At The Mercy Of The Waves” adds a bit more kick to the pace. Faster, more riff orientated and vocally engaging, it is a simple track with little complexity but plenty of atmosphere which will engage the live crowd effectively. “We Sail Cape Horn” which follows on is the longest track of the release. Featuring more diversity; intricate clean guitars reminiscent of Iron Maiden, solid verses, heavy chug-based choruses and the ever important twin guitar harmony lead lines. It radiates power and again, has that appeal which would cement it as a live powerhouse. Closing track “Meatus Majestatis” has a slightly anticlimactic feel, falling flat on the excitement factor and being very unremarkable. Promising riffs give way to bland chorus chords and dulled vocals, making this a track more suited to the middle of the release, not something you would want to close an album.
In all, “Poseidon Will Carry Us Home” isn’t much different to its predecessors. Whilst it may have a bit more depth in certain tracks, it lacks that overall spark which made the previous releases stand firm. The familiarity will help cement it in your mind, but only flashes of brilliance will be drawn to the forefront of your mind. It is more suited to limited listens, focusing on a handful of tracks as opposed to repeated listens. The god of the seas won’t carry this vessel home intact, instead it will guide it to the rocks and drag it to the depths.
(5/10 Fraggle)
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