Search - Battlelore :: Where the Shadows Lie

Fantasy metal at its finest

mysanthropyk_overlord | USA | 04/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're looking for realistic metal, look elsewhere. Battlelore is a very creative band who has better things to talk about than misery and depression. They take the works of the literary master J.R.R. Tolkien, transform them into majestic and well-thought lyrics, and put them to some of the best metal you're likely to find. Battlelore's first album is far superior to their second release (which is a fantastic release itself, but I think they were spending too much time making the upcoming DVD and that had most of their attention). Just take "Shadowgate" and "Fangorn" for example. Lots of influences from gothic, industrial, and symphonic black metal, combined with fantastic female vocals courtesy of the lovely and spirited Kaisa Jouhki, excellent clean male vocals by Patrik Mennander, and raging vocals done without any voice distortion! Jyri Vahvanen's compositions are very precise, and while Henri's drumming sometimes goes against the music a little, the overall result is fantastic. There isn't a weak song on the album. If you're a Tolkien fan and weren't particularly thrilled with Blind Guardian's Tolkien-inspired works (even though BG is a great band as well), then give Battlelore a try. The guitars aren't as fast and whiny, but to me, that's a good thing, as BL is far more atmospheric and enchanting. In addition, they are a very fan-friendly band, and their stage-outfits are great!"

As the other review said, A MUST HAVE

metallica_matt | Carlsbad, CA United States | 07/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is alot better of a cd then i expected it to be. This group is awesome! Great skill and what a great topic to play music about too (Middle-Earth)! All i have to say is purchase this cd and you will be happy. Great death/folk metal haha. Trust me its good."

Middle Earth Mystical Masterpice

Uncle Philty | Grand Haven, Michigan United States | 11/28/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think Battlore is the best band to combine female and male voices. That should make it a 5 star alone. There are few faluts. For one every song excecpt the last and third track sound alike. This is a must buy for power metal fans and Lord of The Rings fans."