ALBUM REVIEW: Bloodbound take on fiery beats on Rise Of The Dragon Empire

POWER metal. It gets a bad name from the snobs, and in some case it is deserved. But, when it is done well it is something that earns a grin and ham fisted air guitar playing. And, Bloodboiund do it very well.

Eight albums in and they are still doing it very, very well. Rise Of The Dragon Empire has all the power elements you would expect, with the smattering of Nordic folk. And, damn it but it makes us smile (when we're not pulling poses and pointing skyward to Valhalla...)

Led with the increasingly impressive vocals of Patrick J Selleby and the gang singalongs it is lyrically slightly sub George RR Martin, but that is part of the charm. Sure, we revel in bands that explore the deepest recesses of the human mind, and the collapse of society, but this is glorious escapism.

All that would be futile without

t stout musicianship and well thought arrangements, such as on 'Magic Eye', with its pacey development.

Tomas and Henrik Olsson wield their guitars in a glorious symmetry and Fredrik Bergh's keyboard flourishes are sumptuous. The intro to 'Blackwater Bay' is worth the price of admission.

However, that same song could be identified by the naysayers as an example of the overblown, nature of the genre Bloodbound tread. But that is to miss the point. As the guitar solo kicks in just before the three minute mark you realise that this is a band confident in what they are doing, and know full well that it could be seen as ridiculous, but is really glorious.

Take lead single 'The Warlock's Trail' - driven by Andres Broman's bass and the metronomic pace of Daniel Sjogren's drums to underscore the soaring heights of the track.

Sod it, doubters can go away, because Rise Of The Dragon Empire is just enjoyable, entertaining and wonderful.

(Oh, and we admit at least one of the cut-offs is adorned by a Bloodbound patch following their Belfast show with Sabaton.)

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Rise Of The Dragon Empire is out now

ALBUM REVIEW: Bloodbound go large on their War Of Dragons

THE new album from Bloodbound sees them go in combat in the ‘War Of Dragons’ a rock conflict that turns out to be an extremely strong album and with some powerful power metal.

The album starts of with ‘Battle in the Sky’, which is fast and powerful with some great vocals that really suit the song. This song is fast and hard-hitting and a great way to intro you to the album with it's superb symphonic nature.

Next up is 'Tears of a Dragonheart’, which takes it a bit slower but is one of the better tracks on the album. It’s nearly as if the song has no intention of stopping for anybody. 

The album then steam rolls into the title track ‘War of Dragons’  - a much darker solo than the ones previously and a kickass rhythm, with some very good vocals.

On ‘Silver Wings’ the album takes a shift and uses some great folk metal influences such as the use of a flute to expand their sound and add another great layer to the album which shows some great songwriting ability. This is one of, if not the best, songs on the album.

‘Stand and Fight’ is a good power metal anthem with some great segments put together to make a very good track. During the solo the tempo takes a quick shift and the song speeds up taking the song and adding another perspective to a song which is excellent.

‘King of Swords’ is like a tale of two stories, light and the dark. Going between the two makes the song very interesting, it takes a few listens but quickly it takes hold a very good song.

The album slows down with ‘Fallen Heroes’, which gives a good change to the album allowing a break from the previous much faster songs. Some very good vocals here.

The final song is ‘Dragons are Forever’ a great way to finish a great album. Gives the feel of winning a great battle - just what you need.

A great mix of some super vocals, talented guitar and bass playing and drumming! A very good listen and a very melodic album complete with good writing making it a great album to have for any metal fan. Definitely one to look out for!

By Zakk Traynor

The album is out on on AFM on February 24th