DRAGONLAND - review added 15th November 2011
Album Review: Under The Grey Banner (2011)
For fans of: Power Metal
"Under The Grey Banner" marks the first album from Swedish power metal band Dragonland in five years. It also continues the chronicle set in the eponymous fantasy realm of "Dragonland", adding a third concept album to "The Battle Of The Ivory Plains" (2001) and "Holy War" (2002).
Dragonland really do play an epic sounding metal. Not only is the music huge, but the vocal stylings and even the lyrics are near-biblical in their size. In fact, such is the scale of everything that this is both an easy and near-impossible album to review.
It's easy because most people will either love or hate it. Sound this big is not to everyone's taste, but if you like it you'll probably love UTGB immensely. The review then becomes difficult because analysing something of this scale is such a herculean task. There are so many styles and avenues explored within the album, and so many levels of brilliance from pure cliché to fabulous novelty, it's difficult to know where to start. All I will say is there are enough moments that put me in paradise to forget the average parts entirely. The very best track - the title track - is sensational.
In Summation:
If J. R. R. Tolkien played metal guitar he'd have been in this band. Alongside Thor, Tiamat and Cerberus.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Ilmarion
02. Shadow the Mithril Mountains
03. The Tempest
04. A Thousand Towers White
05. Fire And Brimstone
06. The Black Mare
07. Lady Of Goldenwood
08. Dûrnir's Forge
09. The Trials Of Mount Farnor
10. Throne Of Bones
11. Under The Grey Banner
12. Ivory Shores
Band/Performers:
Vocals: Jonas Hedigert
Guitars: Olof Mörck
Keyboards: Elias Holmlid
Guitars: Jesse Lindskog
Bass: Anders Hammer
Drums: Morten Lowe Sorensen
Other Info:
Label: AFM Records
Artist's website(s): Facebook
