Released by: Elevate Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Symphonic Power/Folk Metal
Links: https://grimgotts.bandcamp.com/
Line Up:
Vocals – Andy Barton
Bass – Jack Stanley
Keys – Fabio Garau
Drums – Mo Abdelgadir
Guitar – David Hills
Tracklist:
An Amber Dawn
The Rise of the Wolfrider
Darkwood (I. The Voyage – ii. The Sea Serpent – iii. The Great Oaks)
Ancient Voices (Hear them Calling)
Return To The Sea
Wings of Wonder
Swallowed by Darkness
Riding to Destiny
Black Banners
Lord of the Battle
While Grimgotts may be a relatively new name to me, their two previous full-length albums have established them as a force in the fantasy metal scene. Hailing from Horsham, West Sussex, their latest release, “The Time of the Wolfrider,” showcases a strong narrative thread that evokes the spoken pieces in Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds.” The vocals, particularly in the narrative segments, bear a resemblance to David Essex, adding a unique touch to the album.
The inclusion of a narrative in the lyrics creates a truly immersive experience, akin to having both the book and the soundtrack. The album opens with a powerful proclamation from the evil witch Guthra, setting the stage for a tale of magic, armies, and battles between good and evil. While metal purists may scoff at the fantasy elements, the popularity of franchises like “Dungeons & Dragons,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Game of Thrones” has demonstrated a growing appetite for this genre.
As a British band, Grimgotts bring a fresh perspective to fantasy metal. While this genre is often dominated by bands from Italy, Greece, and Nordic countries, British history is rich with tales of knights, dragons, magic, and battles. It’s refreshing to see a British band embracing this theme and doing it so well.
Score 8/10
Reviewed by: Adrian Hextall
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