The Swedish power metal veterans known as Bloodbound are back with their 10th studio for AFM Records, titled Tales From the North, and this special digipack set under review also contains a bonus 2nd disc containing a killer live show, 'Live From the Dark Realm'. AFM certainly gives metal fans a bang for their buck, don't they!
Fans of European power metal no doubt are well familiar with Bloodbound, but if not, this is fist pumping, symphonic & epic sounding metal that's not far removed from other well known acts like Hammerfall, Sabaton, Freedom Call, and the like, with songs featuring chugging guitar riffs, double bass drumming, soaring vocals and multi-part harmonies, neo-classical shredding, and a fair amount of orchestral keyboards. Some might say 'don't we already have a lot of bands who play this style?', and you would be correct, but there has always been a certain charm about Bloodbound, and with a strong discography behind them, Tales From the North doesn't disappoint. Most of these songs are short, speedy, and to the point, littered with choruses that will have you singing along instantly and thrusting your pint of beer to the heavens. "Land of Heroes", "Sail Among the Dead", "Tales From the North", and "Sword and Axe" are just a few of the enjoyable & catchy numbers on this album, and I can see "Drink With the Gods" making its way into the bands live set going forward. Add in the always spectacular artwork, and Bloodbound have another winner here with Tales From the North!
Oh, how about that live disc you ask? It was recorded at MetalFest Open Air in 2022, and the band are on fire playing stellar tunes as "Dragons Are Forever", "Nosferatu", "Creatures of the Dark Realm", "Stand and Fight", "Slayer of Kings", and many others. Longtime fans of the band will be thrilled at this new 'live album', which makes Tale From the North even more of a no-brainer purchase.
Track Listing
Tales From The North:
1. Tales From The North
2. Drink With The Gods
3. Odin's Prayer
4. The Raven's Cry
5. Mimir's Crystal Eye
6. Between The Enemy Lines
7. Land Of Heroes
8. Sail Among The Dead
9. Stake My Claims
10. Sword And Axe
11. 1066
Bonus CD: Live From The Dark Realm
1. Bloodtale
2. Creatures Of The Dark Realm
3. Slayer Of Kings
4. In The Name Of Metal
5. Stand And Fight
6. When Fate Is Calling
7. Stormborn
8. Battle In The Sky
9. Nightmares From The Grave
10. The Warlock's Trail
11. Moria
12. Dragons Are Forever
13. Rise Of The Dragon Empire
14. Nosferatu
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