Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
A good saga is one that can broaden the mind, it also requires dedication to bring it the forefront of people’s imagination, not delivered half-heartedly as by a nervous courier to a reluctant leader but with brashness, assertive direction and a keen sense of forceful belief in what is being played out; without this, the saga becomes a cautionary tale, one driven presumption and one that can leave you cold.
As spectators to the world and its ways, we are drawn into the various battles around us, we have no choice but to listen to the egged-on hype and the flannel of hysteria that comes with every leader soaking their arms in rhetorical blood. Yet we seem to be more discerning, thankfully, to the art of a saga dipped in mythology and the rampant skills of operatic metal, what may in other hands be seen as just another account of a noble story, becomes, especially for a band like Brothers Of Metal, a moment of the epic made clear.
Following on from their self-released debut Prophecy Of Ragnarok, the Swedish eight-piece metal band once more pick up their swords of justice, intrigue and fully established narrative and deliver that epic, songs infused with passion, the seismic and more importantly, the ability to make sure that they are not seen as being yet another version of groups gone by and in Emblas Saga, Brothers of metal have forged yet another stimulating link to the chain that they proudly wear as armour.
Through tracks such as Powersnake, Chain Breaker, Kaunez Dagaz, Theft Of The Hammer, Weaver Of Fate, the album title track, Emblas Saga, and Brothers Unite, the expectancy they have garnered is delivered in full, the heartland of the Scandinavian capability and skill to weave a story over a series of songs has always been noted, in Emblas Saga it is given prominence, erring on the side of the poetry of the Icelandic Sagas, a hardy inclusion to the art of the area.
A set of songs wrapped up in a tale, the narrator finding ways to enthral the audience, all caught up in the emotion, all given prominence and respect, that is the beating heart of the Emblas Saga and one is an enjoyable, and lively feast.
Brothers Of Metal’s Emblas Saga is released via AFM Records on January 10th.
Ian D. Hall