PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
The French crusaders Lonewolf bring forth a sixth album ‘The Forth And Final Horseman’. Let’s strip the album down to basics. The album holds all the classic heavy/power metal characteristics such as twin guitar harmonies, fantasy-based vocals and anthem style song writing.
The highlight throughout the entity is ‘The Poison of Mankind’; lyrically dramatic with a catchy chorus and heavy riffs. Jens Borner uses a harsh vocal tone, in a thrash-like style, similar to Chris Boltendahl from Grave Diggar or Kai Hansen from Gamma Ray.
There are influences of NWOBHM, usage of sound effects to bring theatricality to the album. Chimes are used on the intro to ‘Destiny’ that leads you into a false state of an Iron Maiden rip off (similar to ‘Fear of The Dark’) until the song slows and the instrumental becomes lighter with softer shades.
The technicality of the musicians is brilliant and really well done, they capture a mixture of Rhapsody, with the fun element of Helloween. The vocals send a different message to this, it doesn’t seem to follow in the same structure or compliment that structure in any way. The instrumental takes it one direction and the vocals take it another, it feels like they need to meet in the middle somewhere. At a festival environment I can see this band going down really well live, lots of beer and fist throwing. In a studio recorded environment it is very hard to apprehend the same feel, however not impossible, the next stage would be to create the same ambiance and quality recorded.
If you’re a fan of typical power/folk metal this will inevitably catch your ear, but so will the unique vocals on this album that are not synonymous with the genre. [7/10]
Track Listing
1. The Fourth And Final Horseman
2. The Poison Of Mankind
3. Hellride
4. Time For War
5. Another Star Means Another Death
6. Dragonriders
7. Guardian Angel
8. Throne Of Skulls
9. The Brotherhood Of Wolves
10. Destiny
