Christopher Bowes has sailed his ship into port and taken off his pirate hat, as he now ventures into medieval Scotland with his new all mighty symphonic power metal venture called Gloryhammer. Christopher is the mastermind behind Alestorm that fine pirate metal band and now his latest metal act Gloryhammer has also turned out to be a successful one.
Tales from the Kingdom of Fife is an epic concept release that tells of the adventure of one Angus McFife the hero of this tale who is at war with an evil wizard called Zargothrax as Angus strives to free the people of Dundee. Gloryhammers's battle ready line-up for this most epic of quests includes Christopher on keyboards, vocalist Thomas Winkler, guitarist Paul Templing, bass player James Cartwright bass and drummer Ben Turk.
So as this story begins the music builds and we are treated to a grand musical introduction setting the mood before the galloping metal of "The Unicorn Invasion Of Dundee" is revealed and Ben Turk unleashes an athletic performance on his drums for this a great metal track. The soaring guitars of "Angus McFife" are next and with a chorus that will have everyone singing along. The might of "Quest for the Hammer of Glory" will destroy all in its path as this slow metal Manowar style pounder moves along, and speaking of hammers that sure is a mighty one on the most fitting coverart. "Magic Dragon" is truly wonderful I just get enough of this kind of electrifying metal song so thank you Gloryhammer. The style of "Amulet Of Justice" reminded me at times of metal speedsters DragonForce while "Beneath Cowdenbeath" is an animated potent instrumental. To the finally and no it isn't the title of the new Rhapsody Of Fire album "The Epic Rage Of Furious Thunder" is the longest of those songs on Tales from the Kingdom of Fife and an epic musical rollercoaster it is.
So is the hero victorious in this tale or will this story continue on future Gloryhammer releases? Well that would be a major spoiler so you will have to take this exciting musical journey with Angus and all shall be revealed. I know Tales from the Kingdom of Fife has left me wanting more future Gloryhammer releases.
Track Listing
1) Anstruther's Dark Prophecy
2) The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee
3) Angus McFife
4) Quest for the Hammer of Glory
5) Magic Dragon
6) Silent Tears of Frozen Princess
7) Amulet of Justice
8) Hail to Crail
9) Beneath Cowdenbeath
10) The Epic Rage of Furious Thunder