Wind Rose made a name for themselves with the nicely silly “Diggy Diggy Hole”, but there is so much more to them than that. There must be, given that Trollslayer is album number number six, and they’ve been chiselling stone into spinning musical platters since 2012 (and donning mining equipment since 2009).
Instrumental opener “Of Ice And Blood” sets things up well, and is the kind of intro that would be perfect to play as the band walk on stage and get ready to rip. The calm before the hammering storm… Drums and guitars kick in for “Dance of the Axes” which could not be better named. With a lilting background melody that inspires a jig, the pace of the drums and death roar incites participants to ramp that up to moshpit levels. And you can sing along to the chorus. This song has everything that Wind Rose are known for, and we’ve literally only just started the album!
“The Great Feast Underground” doesn’t let up, and is another fast-paced drink-fuelled number. Slightly misnamed as it’s more about pouring beer down your throat than actually eating, but these are dwarves after all.
It’s not all out-and-out fun and frolics, though. As the album draws to a close we get a couple more epic songs. “Legacy of the Forge”, while still upbeat, is definitely a change in tone and more of an story. The album closer, “No More Sorrow”, though… that’s a change in pace. And tone. And vocal style. And length, clocking in at almost eight minutes. The closest thing to a ballad I’ve heard from Wind Rose, it’s jarring to some extent, but it’s also good to hear a band pushing their sound a little. Musically, sure, it’s all fitting the usual style. When those vocals kick in, however, you know you’re in for a different type of ride.
Wind Rose are a band who have made their name based on a superb live show (and being lovely people if their little Instagram videos are anything to go by), but you need good tunes to make any gig worthwhile. Trollslayer adds to their arsenal for upcoming tours. We need more dwarf metal if it’s all going to be this good.
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Trollslayer is out on October 4th
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