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Heimdall: Aeneid
Heimdall: Aeneid
Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal
4.0/5.0
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Scarlet Records
by Craig Hartranft, 02.13.2013
Heavy metal, especially power metal, has a long history of putting myths and legends, whether ancient or modern, to music. Metal has always been a good way to tell epic stories of gods and heroes, dragons and dragon slayers, much like classical music and opera. However, taking on the classic Greek poem Aeneid by Virgil might be a challenge.
Heimdall:: looking tough.
Returning from a nearly five year hiatus, nine years from recording, is Italy's Heimdall to put Virgil's epic poem to heavy metal. They have a little experience doing this too. Their name comes from the Norse god, Heimdall, the Lord of the Sky, and their first album told his tale. Their next four expanded their catalog of put mythology to heavy metal music.
And Heimdall pulls it off again with Aeneid. An epic tale needs an equally grand musical score and that's what you get here. Heimdall melds the elements of classic heavy metal with power and symphonic metal to tell the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who traveled to Italy, where he became the ancestor of the Romans. Some of the best songs here are those that blend all three elements, like Hero, Ballad of the Queen, Night of the World, or The Last Act. Hero, for instance, offers some speedy power metal against some lighter piano and vocal parts. Strong vocal arrangements are at a premium, from the single lead to the choral quality in larger parts. Of course, there's some ripping guitar solos, which are mostly in the neo-classical tradition, yet range from soaring to subtle. Overall, the entire album is effective at conveying its immense concept, but mostly it's simply entertaining classic power metal. Quite recommended.
In Short
Italy's mythological storytellers Heimdall returns after a long hiatus to put Virgil's Aeneid to melodic power metal music, and deliver an effective and entertaining album.
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