Battlelore

Despite a slight membership adjustment, Battlelore seem to be settling into their own identity fairly well. Sword’s Song is a more consistent, focused release than their last. Fantasy metal it is, rich with orchestral keyboards, evil growls, choral-style vocals à la Tristania, and a wide range of musical textures from acoustic folk to thundering power. The album has a nice flow and a strong momentum, especially in its heavier passages, and Battlelore has a good grasp of simple melody. On the down side, the female vocals aren’t integrated too smoothly and come across with a nasal jar. If you don’t mind stumbling over girls singing with their noses plugged then Sword’s Song is a safe jaunt into the land of orcs, dwarves, and dragons.