AFM Records
Release: 31 May 2024
Genre: Power Metal
Line Up:
Patrik J. Selleby (Vocals)
Tomas Olsson (Guitars)
Henrik Olsson (Guitars)
Anders Broman (Bass)
Fredrik Bergh (Keyboards)
Daniel Sjögren (Drums)
Live Album Tracklist:
01 – Bloodtale
02 – Tales from the North
03 – Slayer of Kings
04 – In the Name of Metal
05 – When Fate is Calling
06 – A New Era Begins
07 – Battle in the Sky
08 – Drink with the Gods
09 – The Warlock’s Trail
10 – Moria
11 – Creatures of the Dark Realm
12 – Rise of the Dragon Empire
13 – Nosferatu
Blu-Ray:
BR 01 – Bloodtale
BR 02 – Tales from the North
BR 03 – Slayer of Kings
BR 04 – In the Name of Metal
BR 05 – When Fate is Calling
BR 06 – A New Era Begins
BR 07 – Battle in the Sky
BR 08 – Drink with the Gods
BR 09 – The Warlock’s Trail
BR 10 – Moria
BR 11 – Creatures of the Dark Realm
BR 12 – Rise of the Dragon Empire
BR 13 – Nosferatu
BR 14 – Made of Steel
BR 15 – Bloodtale
BR 16 – Battle in the Sky
BR 17 – Dragons are Forever
BR 18 – Rise of the Dragon Empire
BR 19 – Tales from the North
BR 20 – Drink with the Gods
BR 21 – Creatures Of The Dark Realm
BR 22 – Rise Of The Dragon Empire
BR 23 – Battle In The Sky
BR 24 – Stormborn
BR 25 – In The Name Of Metal
Amidst the inevitable flux of personnel, a pivotal juncture unfolded when the band enlisted the formidable talents of Patrik Selleby (formerly known as Patrik Johansson), hailing from the esteemed Dawn of Silence. The resounding anthem ‘In The Name Of Metal’ marked a triumphant era, and with the advent of ‘Stormborn’, the band seamlessly transitioned from evoking the macabre allure of nocturnal fiends to venerating celestial beings, notably dragons.
While this thematic shift may have caught some aficionados off guard, the band’s incorporation of ‘Game of Thrones’ lore into their oeuvre garnered resounding acclaim. Their trajectory soared, culminating in a prestigious headline slot at the illustrious Masters of Rock Festival in 2023—an unforgettable spectacle that my esteemed companion, Smudge, and I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand. The magnum opus of their performance, meticulously captured here, serves as a testament to their unparalleled artistry.
One cannot help but be enraptured by the pulsating energy exuded in tracks such as ‘Battle In The Sky’ and ‘Drink With The Gods’. By the conclusion of the latter, our spirits were once again ablaze with fervor—a sentiment that, admittedly, belies my advancing years.
A delightful excursion into the realms of Tolkien with ‘Moria’ elicited myriad smiles and raised tankards in jubilant celebration. The culmination of the set, an epic journey spanning eight enthralling minutes in the form of ‘Nosferatu’, served as a poignant reminder of the precise moment when Bloodbound first captured my heart.
Typically, I maintain a discerning stance towards live albums… unless, of course, I have borne witness to the transcendent spectacle firsthand. In this instance, I had the distinct pleasure of attending, and thus, this meticulously curated release stands as a superlative homage to two decades of unparalleled mastery in the realm of epic power metal.
Comprising thirteen riveting tracks, available across various formats including CD, digital, and a live Blu-Ray rendition, this opus affords enthusiasts the opportunity to bask in the band’s prodigious talent. Selleby, with his commanding presence and boundless charisma, rejuvenated even the most jaded of spectators (if memory serves, they took the stage fashionably late, sometime past the stroke of eleven). Following an arduous ordeal enduring scorching temperatures and imbibing copious libations of Czech liquid gold, we eagerly relied on Patrik to invigorate our spirits, a task he and the band executed with unparalleled finesse.
Score: 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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