ALMANAC
“KINGSLAYER”
Album Review by Stacey Fawcett
10/10
Following on from their first album ‘Tsar’ Almanac had given themselves a musical challenge to top such a successful debut album. But luckily for us they were certainly up to this challenge.
Opening the album with “Regicide” which is jam packed with outstanding vocal harmonies, an epic Eurovision like chorus and heavy guitars. I’m blown away completely – what a choice for an opener! Next up is “Children of the Sacred Path” with its sweeping opening, fast paced drums and Judas Priest influenced vocals surging forward with gusto.
“Guilty As Charged” has a delicate twinkly opening but after hearing other tracks I am waiting for the dramatic hit. As the anticipation slowly builds, you know what is likely coming but when it hits, wow. You could compare this feel to watching a new “Game of Thrones” season. But with more harmonies, which for me are the one of the many highlights of the album.
“Hail To The King” made me conjure up this amazing montage of monks chanting whilst playing heavy guitars, passionately slamming their keys. How can I not like a song after that? The Iron Maiden-esque guitar chug is an added Brucie Bonus.
“Losing My Mind” has a very interesting opening, definitely one of the lighter tracks on the album. The change in ambience does not slow the album down. “Kingslayer” the title track of the album, is a very interesting choice for the middle of the album with it being so different and short, but I like it.
“Kingdom Of The Blind” is on the same epic scale as any Avantasia song. Just glorious. Then up comes “Headstrong “. With 3 vocalists at the helm this cannot be a weak track if it tried, such an empowering/lets raise some hell kind of song
“Last Farewell” is a very different track on this heavy album, it’s melodic and it’s tranquil. Demonstrating the musical prowess of the band, each member is a master of their instruments which is great to hear. You can really tell that the band enjoys what they do and that musically they are of the same mind set.
“Red Flag” is the final track of the album which is just as mind blowing as the rest of the album. The only downside is that it means it’s the end of the album.
It’s hearing bands like Almanac that makes me love writing reviews; I would recommend anyone to listen to this band. This album is a musical masterpiece; I will be looking forward to Almanac’s future albums.
TRACKLIST
Regicide
Children Of The Sacred Path
Guilty As Charged
Hail To The King
Losing My Mind
Kingslayer
Kingdom Of The Blind
Headstrong
Last Farewell
Red Flag
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