Many would say that power metal is a dying breed. It’s hard to argue really. Apart from the classics, how many fresh faces have you seen in the genre that have really blown you away? But with a new major record contract, someone has put a lot of faith in Twilight Force…time to find out why!
[tracklist]
01. Battle Of Arcane Might
02. Powerwind
03. Guardian Of The Seas
04. Flight Of The Sapphire Dragon
05. There And Back Again
06. Riders Of The Dawn
07. Keepers Of Fate
08. Rise Of A Hero
09. To The Stars
10. Heroes Of Mighty Magic
11. Epilogue
12. Knights Of Twilight’s Might
[/tracklist]
[details]
[record_label]Nuclear Blast[/record_label]
[release_date]26th August 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
I speak from my opinion of course, but as a power metal fanatic growing up I have not heard an album that has engulfed me in ways that Rhapsody’s ‘Symphony of Enchanted Lands II‘ did. It completely set the bar for the genre – bombastic songwriting, technical proficiency, fantastical lyrics and a bit of silliness here and there…that for me is what power metal is – the pinnacle of musical escapism.
There have been some great power metal bands over the last decade, but no fresh faces that have managed to provide those epic thrills, but with the Swedish contingent of Twilight Force receiving a hefty investment from label Nuclear Blast…there could be something there.
The journey begins with ‘Battle of Arcane Might‘, and it really doesn’t take much time at all before one begins to realise that Twilight Force are one of the best things to happen to power metal in a long time. There isn’t really another way to describe it than ‘Heroes of Mighty Magic‘ being the by product of 6 lifelong power metal fans who have built a grandiose homage to the genre.
Tracks like ‘Powerwind‘ and ‘Flight of the Sapphire Dragon‘ take the best of everything. Fierce drum kicking, soul-capturing symphonies, guitar sweeping and soaring vocals all contribute to a build up of simply magnificent choruses, each track diversified with its unique musical theme such as medieval folk or bombastic adventure.
Being such a sceptic (or snob, however you want to put it!) of modern power metal, Twilight Force have brought back a fresh perspective into just how good the genre can be. Highlight tracks include the lengthy ‘There and Back Again‘ telling a fantastical story through colossal musical structures, in similar vein to the finale of the title track ‘Heroes of Mighty Magic‘.
While some would argue that Twilight Force follow the footsteps of classic Rhapsody, any power metal fan can’t deny that this album fits right at the top of the genre, no matter what comparisons can be made. The songwriting and execution is the most commendable, and if there is any power metal album you will ever need to invest in – it’s ‘Heroes of Mighty Magic‘.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]’Heroes of Mighty Magic’ is without a doubt one of the best power metal albums to come out in the last decade. If you are looking for that same chill down your spine that Rhapsody brought with ‘Power of the Dragonflame’, this is it. Twilight Force are the best thing to happen to power metal in years.[/why]
