Released by: Rockshots Records
Release Date: September 27th, 2024
Genre: Folk Metal
Links: https://www.theworldofwarlockad.co.uk/
Line Up:
Cal Whittaker (As Whiteacre the Nomad) – Lead Vocals, Orchestral Composition/Programming
Michael Farmer (As Quinn Eilianther the Elven Prince) – Vocals, Bass Guitars
John Smith (As Horatus the Mushroom Wizard) – Backing Harsh Vocals, Guitars
Dan Cole (As Ahriman Cullblade the Shadow Assassin) – Programming, Guitars
Emperor Thorumm III – Phantom Drums
Tracklist:
1. A Strange New World (That is not My Own)
2. The Valley of Vâgené
3. Nanum Imperium
4. The Golden Showers of Prestønia
5. By the Path of the Exiled
6. Rothgar Warsong
7. As One, We Stand!
8. Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian of Valley (Techno Wyrmhole)
9. The Sacred Spears of Brittanni
10. Stormbreather
11. The Sword of Cühm
12. The Rising Flames of the Eternal Golden Empire Rise
The English power folk metal band WarlocK A.D. makes a return with Book II: The Valley of Vâgené, a title that might remind you of those cheeky memes where people jokingly request pictures from girls. While I’d love to claim that WarlocK A.D. transcends such playful humor, it’s worth noting that this is the same band that gave us Geralt of Labia. Their style of comedy is the kind that would even make the cast of a Carry On… film hesitate before Sid James lets out his signature laugh.
Originating in 2019, WarlocK A.D. comes from the West Midlands and skillfully merges symphonic, power, and folk metal. After witnessing them perform live alongside Nanowar of Steel, another top-tier genre parody band, I can confirm that their concerts resemble Live Action RPG (LARPing, for those familiar) events more than anything else. They even hurl a multi-sided die into the audience to decide the outcome of the game, which in turn determines the next song in their set.
Book II: The Valley of Vâgené is a masterful, witty, and risqué blend of British humor. And when it comes to innuendo, no one does it better than the Brits—just look at those classic seaside postcards from Blackpool! Songs like Nanum Imperium wouldn’t be out of place on a Cradle of Filth album, while The Golden Showers of Prestønia draws inspiration from the finest of the Italian power metal scene—though you might want to steer clear of the water… and Preston.
The album’s production, overseen by the acclaimed Ragnar Bloodfang (known for his collaborations with bands like Amon Amarth and Ensiferum), lifts what might have otherwise been a “nice try but no cigar” attempt if it had relied solely on humor. Instead, it’s a record with substance, complexity, and vigor. Full credit to WarlocK A.D. for selecting the ideal producer to bring out the best of British metal.
As for The Sword of Cühm, well, that’s something you’ll have to experience and interpret on your own!
Score 8/10
Reviewed by: Adrian Hextall
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