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Kaledon: Altor The King's Blacksmith

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

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Scarlet Records
by Craig Hartranft,  04.18.2013

Following the best tradition of European power metal, Rome based Kaledon return with their seventh effort Altor, The King's Blacksmith. Once more the band returns to fictional reign of Kaledon to explore "the life of the man who forged the sword that killed Mozul, the evil creature that upset the peace and tranquility of the Kingdom in the last chapter" of the Legend Of The Forgotten Reign saga.

Kaledon:: mighty big sword.

If you're a fan of bands like Blind Guardian and Hammerfall, both of whom have create epic concepts and sagas, you'll probably be attracted to Kaledon. Mostly this galloping power metal from a melodic metal foundation with some symphonic notes. In the sense, there's nothing new under the sun with Altor. Kaledon is not reinventing the power metal wheel by any means.

What they are doing is sticking to their concept and style of music. The arrangements are bombastic, powered by a galloping rhythm section, significant guitar solos and peppered with generous synth solos. With few exceptions, most everything here fits this description. Notable power metal pummeling comes from the songs Screams in the Wind, My Personal Hero, and A Dark Prison which feature's Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Kamelot, Labyrinth, Vision Divine). The exceptions are the metal ballad Lilibeth and the following, moderately paced, melodic metal of A New Beginning, with a catchy chorus as well. Once more, Altor, The King's Blacksmith is basic European power metal, and Kaledon does it better than many others in this immensely crowded field. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Altor, The King's Blacksmith is basic European power metal, and Kaledon does it better than many others in this immensely crowded field.

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