“We are Krilloan! We play high-octane, full speed, power metal – forged by Cimmerian steel! Expect nothing less!”
This is how KRILLOAN introduces themselves, and they do so with good reason! Their passion and determination shine through in the music they deliver, earning them a place in our hearts.
It took only one year for the Swedish power metal quintet to release “Stories of Times Forgotten” (Stormspell, 2021), an amazing EP that showcased the band’s dynamics and prowess from the very start. Just another year later, after drummer David Lanas left the band, they released their excellent debut album, “Emperor Rising” (Scarlet, 2022). Now, only a couple of years later, they are back with their sophomore album, “Return of the Heralds”.
While the EP featured many symphonic and power elements reminiscent of RHAPSODY and STRATOVARIUS, “Emperor Rising” clearly followed a speedier and more aggressive path, with a sound more akin to BLIND GUARDIAN. This continues in “Return of the Heralds”, which picks up exactly where their debut left off.
It’s a well-executed, truly inspired power metal album, full of energy and impressive musicianship. Melody is never absent, even in the fastest tracks, and the way the fantasy lyrics are musically highlighted is brilliant. I have to say, this is more of a Teutonic than a Swedish sound, which has less to do with the band members’ origins – not only Sweden, but also Argentina, Portugal, and Germany- and more to do with KRILLOAN’s choice to follow in the footsteps of BLIND GUARDIAN. SABBATON and HAMMERFALL are also major influences, but in the end, what Euro-power metal group can escape HELLOWEEN’s legacy and the Teutonic impact on this style of songwriting?
So, no radically innovative music here, that’s for sure, but the enthusiasm more than makes up for it. There are some seriously strong riffs, great harmonies, fantastic guitar solos, and a tight rhythm section. On top of all that, there’s an outstanding voice!
Apart from Alex VanTrue (vocals), Klas Holmgren and Steve Brockmann (guitars), Marco Toba (bass), and Christoph Brandes (drums), guest musicians on the album include Johan Haraldsson and Johan Karlsson (EVERMORE) on “Return of the Heralds”, Jack Reynolds and Tom O’Dell (BATTLE BORN) on “Kings of the Iron Hill” and Magnus Holmström (live guest in HAMMERFALL) on “The Kingkillers Tale”.
“Atlantean Sword” is the perfect opening track – speedy and uplifting, it serves as an excellent herald for the entire album. It was indeed a wise choice for the first single. “Blood & Fire (Born on a Battlefield)” is less fast-paced than “Kings of the Iron Hill”, but the two songs, along with “Hammer of North”, which blends elements of both, guide the listener deeper into the sonic landscape of KRILLOAN. “Avenging Son”, placed at the midpoint of the tracklist, brings more drama to the songwriting. Together with the interlude “The Oathpact”, it sets the stage for the title track, “Return of the Heralds”, which arrives as a melodic speed storm, sweeping everything in its path – a truly glorious song!
The album’s ballad, “The Kingkillers Tale”, is a folkish, acoustic piece that feels like a bard’s song heard around an adventurers’ campfire on a cold, misty night – heartwarming, enchanting, and timeless. “Burn” is a wild outburst of ecstatic riffing, while “Beyond the Gates” closes the album, encapsulating all its qualities in a single song.
Don’t be surprised if KRILLOAN’s sophomore release ends up on the best album lists of the year – they achieved that with their debut in 2022, and they certainly deserve it for this one too!
“Return of the Heralds” will be released on September 20th by Scarlet Records, digitally, on CD and on limited LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order both CD and limited LP here.
