Think the world is pretty saturated with European power metal bands? Well, don't tell that to Stormwarrior, a five-piece act from Germany who take their influence from Walls of Jericho-era Helloween, as well as Gamma Ray, Blind Illusion, and Hammerfall, delivering solid & speedy melodic power metal that is firmly rooted in sounds we remember well from the 1980's. The band's latest release is called Northern Northe, out now on Locomotive Records. Like anthemic choruses? There are plenty of them here- look no further than "Metal Legacy" and the galloping title track. Fancy an assortment of raging drum fills and bombastic metal guitar riffs? "The Holy Cross", "Iron Gods", and "Remember the Oathe" should satisfy your thirst for classic speed metal for sure. There's even a wild progressive metal piece with an Egyptian flavor called "The Revenge Of Asa Lande", as well as a complex ripper with some inventive guitar work, titled "Lion Of The Northe". All told it's expertly played and executed, the musicianship very solid, and the vocals more than fit the bill. Despite all that, for some, Stormwarrior might just sound too much like early Helloween or Gamma Ray, right down to the vocals of Lars Ramcke, who at times is a dead ringer for Kai Hansen. Some of the arrangements sound like they could have been lifted from Walls of Jericho (check out 'Ragnarok" if you don't believe me), so it's all a matter of whether you don't mind the obvious tribute going on here (which, let's be honest, they do damn well) or if the lack of originality will ultimately become a turn-off. Whichever opinion you wind up migrating towards, there's no denying that Stormwarrior are a power metal band that deserve your attention.
Track Listing
1. And The Horde Calleth For Oden
2. Heading Northe
3. Metal Legacy
4. The Holy Cross
5. Iron Gods
6. Ragnarok
7. The Revenge Of Asa Lande
8. Remember The Oathe
9. Lion Of The Northe
10. Into The Battle
11. And The Valkpries Ride
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