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The German band Stormwarrior is now back with the follow-up to their self-titled debut album from 2002. I have still not heard their debut but based on what I heard here I have missed out on one of the most promising power metal talents from Germany. Continuing the work on the musical foundation built by the legendary Helloween, Stormwarrior have developed their own style, a little rawer and more aggressive than those who seem to be their No 1 influence. The lyrics on this album make me think of these Germans as the power metal equivalent to Bathory and the opening intro and the final song "Lindisfarne" do not only draw Bathory thoughts to mind because of the title but also because of the music which is more epic than most other songs on the album. The album has also been dedicated to the late Quorthon who sadly moved on to the land of his ancestors earlier this year. One or two nods to early Running Wild can also be traced in the more melodic parts of the album. Stormwarrior possess most qualities that a power metal band should possess: they have a strong vocalist, they play fast and melodic and they master solos seemingly with ease. A powerful production job by Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen only helps further to make this release one of the most interesting power metal releases of 2004. Recommended listening for fans of early Helloween and Running Wild who don't mind it a little rougher than usual. Stand-out tracks: "And The Nothewinde Bloweth", "Thy Last Fyre", "Lindisfarne".
| Tracklist |
| 1. And The Nothewinde Bloweth |
| 2. Heroic Deathe |
| 3. Valhalla |
| 4. Thy Laste Fyre |
| 5. Welcome Thy Rite |
| 6. Odinn's Warriors |
| 7. Blood Eagle |
| 8. Sigrblot |
| 9. To Foreign Shores |
| 10. Lindisfarne |
: 47.06
| Buy other Stormwarrior albums |
