Khar Darna: Iron Wings

Khar Darna are a Russian NWOBHM/power metal outfit hailing from the town of Orenburg and Iron Wings would appear to be the band’s one and only album to date. Looking through their bandcamp page, however, their one and only album is actually their two and only album, a Russian version (which I have for review) arriving in 2017, with a second attempt released a year later with the songs containing both Russian and English names. Although with HAARBN Productions albums arriving without a press sheet, I’ve no idea whether they also contained translated lyrics. So whatever their history/future, what we have here is a Russian language metal album that plays by some well established rules as laid down by the likes of Iron Maiden way back in the day. In terms of that band’s era I’d suggest that Iron Wings lands closest to the Piece Of Mind album in terms of style, although I’m not for one second suggesting that Khar Darna come anywhere close to that standard.

Now I must admit that finding anything else out about this band has proved pretty much impossible, but we’re dealing with a twin guitar outfit (although not so much in the solo department) fronted by an ably voiced young lady, Elena Gorina, who lends her heart and soul to each and every song. In general we’re also in full on romp along territory as Khar Darna strut their stuff - and they do it reasonably well. A couple of tracks do slow things down and show a more mature side, but unfortunately neither convince quite as much as the foot on the monitor expulsions and even when that approach is deployed there’s little presented to lose your senses over - but then neither is anything less than well constructed, performed or delivered.

In the end, if Khar Darna were an opening act for a major name out on the circuit, you’d enthusiastically punch the air along to their sounds before quickly forgetting them. Iron Wings is an entertaining album and one that certainly holds the interest while it’s spinning. It won’t however stick in the mind much longer than that, even if the passion within this band’s ranks is clear for all to hear.

Track Listing
1. (Thirst)
2. Let Me Go
3. Illusions
4. Mirror of the World
5. Iron Wings
6. Time of Fire
7. False god
8. Roses Street
9. Chained

Added: May 19th 2019
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Khar Darna on bandcamp
Hits: 700
Language: english

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