DOLMEN GATE are an Epic Heavy Metal band from Lisbon, Portugal, founded in 2021. Bass player Nuno (who started as the band’s guitarist in the early days) and drummer Alex were members of the disbanded epic metallers RAVENSIRE, so they’re no strangers in the underground metal scene.
I first came in touch with the band’s music through their amazing “Finis Imperii” demo that was released back in 2023. And I really have to add that this particular demo was the one that I listened the most during the last year.
Well, through the above mentioned tape I had the chance to take a first taste of this band’s greatness. But unfortunately the demo included just two compositions -plus an instrumental intro-. I wanted to witness a case of full triumph and a demo release was simply not enough. Fortunately I was in touch with the band back then and they have informed me that they were already working on their debut full length, so I stood aside, and patiently waited for the final victory. Well the wait is over. The debut album already shines.
DOLMEN GATE are delivering a very special type of Arcane, Mystical, Epic Heavy Metal blessed by Ana’s great vocals. Their songwriting is outstanding, bringing to the mind the golden and forever lost ages of triumph and tragedy. Yes the color of Ana’s voice and the overall vocal melodies are taking each and every song to the very next level. Fortunately the guitar themes are generating a solid ground leaving a suitable room for the vocals to emphasize on their haunted, epic melodies.
All the good things begin from a good starting point: And this band is developing a sold basis for their songs, heavily influenced by the heavy stone’s of Epic Metal, bands like: MANILLA ROAD (first three albums), OMEN (first two albums), MANOWAR (“Into Glory Ride”) and DOOMSWORD (debut album).
But even a single but careful listen to the music included in this magnificent album would unleash many more treasures. The magical spirit of 70s bands like LEGEND, WISHBONE ASH and ALKANA is here and yes there is a lot of LORDIAN GUARD beauty spread around the song’s of this little masterpiece. I also discovered a weird connection -as far as the music but the overall aura of the songs on this debut- with another great epic band of out age: The mighty IRON GRIFFIN.
DOLMEN GATE are sorcerers and storytellers. Through their steel they are narrating stories that take us back into the point of no return, far away the beginning of time, when myths were lost into strange realms of obscurity. This is the real meaning of the statement “Epic” to me. Because we are not talking about a word, or a genre, but a statement that marks the true Legends.
“Gateways of Eternity” was recorded at Imperial Studios in May 2023. Produced by DOLMEN GATE and Paulo “Paulão” Vieira. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Paulo “Paulão” Vieira. And yes the production is really doing justice to the album’s overall material.
And of course I have to point that the cover artwork by Márcio Blasphemator is really great.
I really have nothing else to write. Are you looking for a masterpiece of Arcane, Mystical, Epic / Heavy Metal? If yes, go for this record now.
Album will be released, April 26th on No Remorse Records.
Check the discussion about the album on our forum pages. – Check also a special DOLMEN GATE topic here.
Check some airplay on our radio show:
