“Chapter I” the debut EP by RINGLORN from Crete, was a mighty thunder upon the darken skies of the Epic Metal realm.
Absolutely out of nowhere, this band came out from the shadows, highlighting a remarkable development of Epic Metal music inspired by the spirit of the mighty: WARLORD, LORDIAN GUARD, MANILLA ROAD etc.
You can check the discussion on our forum pages and somehow realize the notable feedback that this release had on the wider heavy metal underground. On the review I did for this particular EP release back on the day, I pointed that we surely wanted to have more music by RINGLORN. And it seems that my wish was heard somehow, as the band continued to work on their “Tales of War and Magic” debut album, which will be released on Steel Gallery Records.
For their debut full length the band joined forces with Mark J. Dexter (DEXTER WARD, ex-BATTLEROAR ex-HYRKANIAN BLADES), this is a very wise move as Mark’s voice fits perfectly on the band’s music. I surely love Harbringer’s shadowed and mysterious vocal approaching on the EP (and to tell you the truth I will revisit the EP’s versions of specific in the future – as the album and the EP include some compositions in common-), but truth has to be told: Mr Dexter takes RINGLORN’s music to the very next level.
Speaking of RINGLORN’s music we focus on Epic Metal which is inspired by bands like WARLORD, LORDIAN GUARD, MANILLA ROAD and ISEN TORR. I can also add the mighty IRON GRIFFIN to the frame of influences, thanks to those mystical acoustic parts that often come to the the foreground.
A careful listener will quickly discover many classical music arrangements on the band’s material: The main melodies on many guitar themes have a straight connection to the baroque era, giving to the songs a very special vibe. And of course there is a wide range of Heavy Metal influences as well, especially on times when the the guitar riffs are becoming the main force on each and every composition.
Mystical, lyrical and teutonic at the very same time, RINGLORN’s music is simply one of a kind. “Tales of War and Magic” is an Epic Metal liturgy that takes the listener back to the glorious era of war and sorcery.
I have also to make a point about the much more improved production -compared to the EP-. Of course this dungeon crawling aesthetic as far as the sound is present in here as well becoming one of the band’s trademarks, but they have managed to develop a perfect balance between the misty and obscure sound and the presence of dynamics that really does justice to their songs.
I also loved the cover and the overall artwork that showcases the overall sword and sorcery concept of the band.
Nothing more to add here. I will put “Tales of War and Magic” next to my favorite Epic Metal releases and I will peacefully wait for the next album, because we simply need bands like RINGLORN to be active, offering music.
Release date: January 24th, 2025 – Pre-order here.
