So another afternoon wasted away playing a certain online multi-player fantasy-based game. I would say I know it’s very sad, but then I have to wonder how many of these bands actually just spend most of their free time doing exactly the same just to get inspiration for their music and lyrics. Whether that’s the case with Dyrathor or not I’m not entirely sure, but nevertheless it makes for a kickin’ soundtrack for an afternoons gaming. The album starts with the obligatory spoken-word intro, spoken over a rather threatening, howling wind for dramatic effect, leading into ‘Memories Of Frost’ which rages full speed ahead with scything guitars and battering drums.
‘Im Auge des Sturms’ sways in with an enticing violin melody, which progresses to weave its way through the mighty metal core (er…not metalcore, perhaps I should rethink my choice of words). The violins on this album are rather appealing, often adding a sense of drama and, at times, majesty. ‘Ariovist’ is especially regal and it begins with a real fanfare. At one point, there is a sudden bright and breezy flutter of violins, which gives the feel of being in a country garden on a pleasant summers day, before a raging current of drums and fierce guitars sweeps it away. There is a definite black metal backbone to this album, although it doesn’t come across quite so glaringly as some other bands. It is very much softened by the violins, and the fantasy elements definitely create a diversion…more hardcore fans of the genre will probably find it a bit silly and perhaps a little watered down if I’m being honest.
‘Kampf Auf Samsey’ has an epic swagger that marches proudly and bravely into battle, while the vocals here sound especially fearsome. Mostly they are a combination of fierce rasps and deathly growls that make for a varied listen. ‘Thumelicus Secutor’ is much thrashier although is softened a little by the keyboards, while ‘Wudana Wittekina Waigand’ adopts a more Maiden-esque gallop.
There is quite a bit of diversity between some of the tracks, which is no bad thing in itself. It’s also fairly clear what they are going for, and as with quite a lot of bands of this style the “battle” element/gimmick seems to take precedence to creating genuinely good music. With this being their first album, I put this down to inexperience and I think this band are yet to really discover their own sound. It’s definitely worth a listen if you enjoy this sort of thing, but I expect we will hear better things from them in future.
http://www.myspace.com/dyrathor
