NIVIANE
“THE DRUID KING”
Album Review By Iron Mathew

10/10

Niviane (pronounced nih-vy-anne) are a power metal band from the USA formed in 2014, releasing their debut album in 2017.

If you like your power metal hard and heavy and full of muscle, then you’re in for a treat with the debut album from new band Niviane. Set for a summer 2017 release, ‘The Druid King’ (the album) is packed to the rafters with powerful power metal that will blow away the dustiest of cobwebs. Opening with the thundering ‘The Beserker’, the album is off to a flier. Huge riffs and a thunderous rhythm will induce immediate head banging, and with the vocal delivery tinged with symphonic traits, the atmosphere is epic and majestic. ‘Adrestia’ moves the album on to a mid tempo heavy stomp, with a more gruff and throaty vocal performance. The heaviness of the opening double salvo is very impressive with Niviane managing to add a touch of catchiness to hook the listener in. Pace is increased as ‘Watch The Banners Fall’ thunders into life and powers on before dropping to a mellow swagger as the vocals begin, then changing style to become a full on storm of savagery. ‘Watch The Banners Fall’ swings gracefully from slow melodic to power metal…brilliant stuff.

Epic and fantastic, ‘Into Twilight’ is a swaggering melodic power metal romp of the tallest order. ‘Into Twilight’ has touches of the European power metal style thrown in and is an infectious listen. Now, get yourselves ready for the best song off the album: ‘Gladiator’. Thundering like a herd of elephants, ‘Gladiator’ is premium power metal and is a glorious journey of heavy riffing, galloping rhythms and is one hundred percent sing a long-able. ‘Gladiator’ is a must listen for anyone who asks “what is American power metal?”. This one song alone defines the American power metal genre and will attract so many fans to the band. No time to pause for a breather, ‘Arise Samurai’ increases the heaviness and the pace of the album. ‘Arise Samurai’ chugs relentlessly and is merciless as it strides on, destroying and devastating anything or anyone that gets in its way. Every song on the album is catchy and infectious, with head banging and foot stomping a must. Niviane have crafted a cracking album and are delivering it with pride. A wonderful mellow passage breathes life into the slower tempo ‘Elegy’ and you’re led to believe that this could be a ballad…but not a chance! Too much heavy for that…

The album is nearly one hour in length, with eleven songs on offer and is worth every pound (or dollar)…all eleven songs are thrillers, with absolutely no fillers here. ‘March Of The Jotunn’ delivers an injection of pace and powers on, with hints of the legendary British heavy metal band Judas Priest. Duelling guitars, galloping rhythms and a clean and clear vocal delivery, all traits associated with the NWOBHM sound. This album is just getting better and better. With its magnificently epic sounding title, ‘War Of Immortals’ opens with an effects laden intro, building the tension and atmosphere before storming into life. Raging on like a force ten hurricane, ‘War Of Immortals’ is devastatingly heavy and will destroy everything foolish enough to stand in its way. Survive this song, you’re a true metal head… Blending the classic sound of traditional heavy metal with American power, ‘Heaven Overflow’ is the most NWOBHM sounding song on the album and is a powerhouse of riffs, rhythms and raw energy. The album is brought to a close with the six minutes plus epic (title song) ‘The Druid King’, displaying everything that is great about American power metal and heavy metal as a whole. With no ballads on offer, ‘The Druid King’ (the album) is a breath taking journey of energy, intensity and superb songs.

Overall, powerful power metal from a new band, defining American power metal as heavy, catchy and infectious. This is a glorious debut album that hits very hard.

TRACKLIST

The Beserker
Adrestia
Watch The Banners Fall
Into Twilight
Gladiator
Arise Samurai
Elegy
March Of The Jotunn
War Of Immortals
Heaven Overflow
The Druid King

https://www.niviane.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nivianemetal/

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