Kaledon the long running classic European power metal unit have recorded another epic with the release of Altor: The King's Blacksmith. Like that other well established Italian epic metal group Rhapsody Of Fire this dynamic band have also told of an ongoing tale and Kaledon's is titled "Legend of The Forgotten Reign". The chapters of which are told throughout their recordings. And therefore that tradition continues with Kaledon's latest Altor: The King's Blacksmith is an album which "narrates the life of the man who forged the sword that killed Mozul, the evil creature that upset the peace and tranquillity of the Kingdom in the last chapter of the saga".
Having formed in the late nineties Kaleodon have regularly released albums since, and even though over time I have collected so much similar material this is one Italian band I don't believe I have never come across. Kaledon certainly aren't alone with the style of power metal they perform there are a multitude of groups to choose from. I really can't recall if I ever did see Kaledon mentioned or have heard any of their songs before, then again I'm not really surprised given that many of the bands I listen to scarcely receive the exposure that their material deserves.
To my introduction to the songs of Kaledon and Altor: The King's Blacksmith starts out as you would expect with a brief customary opener "Innocence". "Childhood" has its charms and the band raise the tempo for the gripping chorus, Kaledon then turn up the intensity with a barrage of drums for the start of "Between The Hammer And The Anvil" and proceed to alternate the temp once again. Altor: The King's Blacksmith's guest spot has gone to vocalist Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine) as he performs on what is most probably the song of the album "A Dark Prison". Guest appearances are always welcome but in this case what did standout is that while as enjoyable as the vocals of Kaledon are elsewhere on this album, it's Fabio's appealing style and delivery along with Kaledon's capable musicianship that served to elevate this band to another level.
After familiarizing myself with the metal of Altor: The King's Blacksmith by Kaledon I found it to be quite an enticing release, and one that you may very well find slots favourably into your epic metal library.
Track listing
1) Innocence
2) Childhood
3) Between The Hammer And The Anvil
4) My Personal Hero
5) Lilibeth
6)A New Beginning
7) Kephren
8) Screams InThe Wind
9) A Dark Prison
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