Here we have a rock opera of sorts from two notable Norwegian musicians, super-human vocalist Jorn Lande, and Wig Wam guitarist Trond Holter. Joining them on this album about the life of Count Vlad the III, Prince of Wallachia, widely known as Vlad, The Impaler or by his patronymic name Vlad Dracul(a), are bassist Bernt Jansen, drummer Per Morten Bergseth, and female vocalist Lena Fløitmoen Børresen.
Sometimes these grandiose concept albums come across as overblown and ridiculous, but that's not the case here. The stellar talents of Jorn Lande by now are well known, and he's simply a vocalist at the top of his game here commanding everything in sight on the symphonic metal of "Walking on Water" or the more theatrical hard rocker "Swing of Death". However, Holter's guitar work here is just as impressive, his menacing riffs on the orchestral "Masquerade Ball" are quite epic, and he adds some awesome crunch as well as sizzling leads to the charming "River of Tears", which also features a killer vocal duel between Lande & Lena Fløitmoen Børresen, playing the Count & Mina respectively. "Queen of the Dead" rocks quite hard with plenty of proggy flourishes, and the symphonic closer "Under the Gun" rounds things out in classy fashion, with both vocalists soaring to the heavens over grandiose musical arrangements.
Dracula Swing of Death is a triumph on all levels, chock full of mesmerizing vocal performances and expert musical accompaniment. If you want to hear a rock opera/concept album done right, check this one out.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
01.Hands of Your God
02.Walking on Water
03.Swing of Death
04.Masquerade Ball
05.Save Me
06.River of Tears
07.Queen of the Dead
08.Into the Dark
09.True love Through Blood
10.Under the Gun
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