Metal Storm logo
Power Paladin - With The Magic Of Windfyre Steel review



Reviewer:
7.9

105 users:
7.56
Band: Power Paladin
Album: With The Magic Of Windfyre Steel
Release date: January 2022


01. Kraven The Hunter
02. Righteous Fury
03. Evermore
04. Dark Crystal
05. Way Of Kings
06. Ride The Distant Storm
07. Creatures Of The Night
08. Into The Forbidden Forest
09. There Can Be Only One

The essence of power metal in one neat package.

Power metal is probably one of the subgenres I review the most, and those of you who have read some of those reviews know that a lot of the ones I review often get remarks like: “It’s a solid record for fans of the genre” or “It’s overall an enjoyable experience”. And that’s in truth what I think about a lot of the albums in this subgenre of metal. Yet, almost every single year, there are 2 (maybe 3) records that absolutely hit their mark for me. Well, I think I have already found my first one of this year.

On paper, Power Paladin might look like the red-headed stepchild of the metal family in Iceland. Usually we get more... let’s just say... brutal stuff from over there. What I’m trying to say is that you wouldn’t really expect a metal band from Iceland to play some epic-sounding guitar riff version of The Legend Of Zelda theme song. But hush, don’t let Nintendo know, or they might sue them.

Anyway, that actually brings us neatly onto another thing I want to talk about: influences. There are quite a few of them I heard when listening to With The Magic Of Windfyre Steel. Like I mentioned, we have Zelda, but the others are mostly metal-based influences; think of bands like Rhapsody and HammerFall, and a bit of DragonForce and Sonata Arctica is present as well. I even heard some Iron Maiden in there as well, most notably in the first song; it has some melodies that sound very similar to ones you would find in “Sign Of The Cross”. What’s the result of this cocktail with all its flavours? Well, if you would mix this much with alcohol, you’d probably be puking in a bucket right now. Here it works, though. While the high amount of influences results in a piece of work that doesn’t really surprise you, it’s still a fun and interesting blend in the end.

Production-wise, With The Magic Of Windfyre Steel is on point: clean, polished and grand sounding, everything you would want (and expect) from a power metal record. This type of production has worked for many power metal bands, and it works here just as well. And when taking a look at the lyrics, the same can be said about them to be honest. They are exactly the type of lyrics you find on a lot of other records in the subgenre.

The performances themselves are top-notch. These guys aren’t exactly reinventing the wheel, but they put the right amount of energy, charisma and attitude on this album. It’s an incredibly easy listen, one that’s smooth from start to finish, both in terms of pace and flow.

That brings me onto the conclusion: why do I like this one? After all, on paper it has a bunch of elements (style, production, lyrics etc.) that I could find elsewhere as well. That said, this is one of those times when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s good and fun sounding music with strong performances from every member in the band, and sometimes that’s more than enough.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 7
Originality: 7
Production: 8





Written on 20.02.2022 by You know I'm right, you just haven't realised it yet...

Guest review by
Maglor
Rating:
8.0
When we think of metal from Iceland, undoubtably we think about black metal or something more dark and deep than power metal. Therefore, it is not very usual to hear about power metal bands from Iceland, which in itself made this release special, but Power Paladin made it even more special for the quality and dynamics they delivered to this album.

Read more ››
published 12.02.2022 | Comments (2)


Comments

Comments: 3   Visited by: 138 users
21.02.2022 - 09:57
nikarg

Good review, man... sums up what I think of this album too. Definitely going to end up being one of the better power metal releases of the year. I am surprised you did not mention Helloween at all, I hear them quite a bit myself. For example, the chorus of "Into The Forbidden Forest" is a direct ripoff of "Twilight Of The Gods".
Loading...
21.02.2022 - 10:10
RaduP
CertifiedHipster
Written by nikarg on 21.02.2022 at 09:57

Good review, man... sums up what I think of this album too. Definitely going to end up being one of the better power metal releases of the year. I am surprised you did not mention Helloween at all, I hear them quite a bit myself. For example, the chorus of "Into The Forbidden Forest" is a direct ripoff of "Twilight Of The Gods".

All European power metal is a ripoff of Helloween.
----
Do you think if the heart keeps on shrinking
One day there will be no heart at all?
Loading...
21.02.2022 - 10:55
Rating: 8
tominator
At best deranged
Written by nikarg on 21.02.2022 at 09:57

I am surprised you did not mention Helloween at all, I hear them quite a bit myself. For example, the chorus of "Into The Forbidden Forest" is a direct ripoff of "Twilight Of The Gods".


It's been a very long time since I listened to Keeper Of The Seven Keys, so I'm going to say that's the reason why I didn't immediately notice that. But honestly, after listening to both tracks back to back, I'm as surprised as you that I forgot to mention that.
Loading...

Hits total: 1693 | This month: 9