It was almost a month ago that, while reviewing the new Megaton Sword album, I lamented over the lack of epic metal releases that come my way. Fast forward a few weeks later and this is anything but the case. My new release calendar is STACKED with epic metal from the likes of Mace ‘n’ Chain, Smoulder, Blazon Rite, and more. Kicking it all though is the long awaited sophomore album from Canadian epic metal warriors, Gatekeeper. Yes, its been half a decade (because that phrasing sounds far more dramatic than “five years”) since we last heard from this horde. They’re back and bolder than ever.
When we interviewed former singer JP Abboud a few years ago about the prospect of a new Gatekeeper album, confirmed that they were “working on the next one”, only without him. “I think they might both be the singers on it, Jeff (Black) and the new guitar player Adam (Bergen).” Their latest album, From Western Shores, sure features Black and Bergen alright, but saddled into their respective six-string positions. Vocals are instead handled by newcomer Tyler Anderson, whose Midnight meets Michael Kiske vocal delivery adds an extra dose of old school power to Gatekeeper’s already lethally potent retro epic metal brew.
Whereas their last album, East of Sun (2018), seemed to rely a bit more on arcane doom metal tendencies, From Western Shores is more an old school epic heavy meets power metal affair, with no shortage of twists and turns throughout. Whether it be the colossal atmosphere of the title cut, plodding devastation of “Shadow and Stone”, muscular force of “Nomads”, or 21st century Maiden gone epic doom of “Desert Winds”, Black showcases his songwriting and riffing prowess with sublimity, accompanied by an equally compelling band. The lyrics are almost exclusively fantasy derived, yet feel real as ever upon the demanding vocal delivery of Anderson.
The power metal-esque moments of From Western Shores draw heavily from both the early bloodthirsty US scene, as well as the majestic speed and melody-centric euro scene in its prime (pre-turn of the century gentrification). Comparisons to Manowar and Warlord are warranted on an action-packed cut like “Exiled King”. “Twisted Tower” is an upbeat, arena power metal anthem not far removed from late 80s Helloween, while “Death on Black Wings” is so damn enthralling that if the entire modern power metal scene sounded like this, I probably wouldn’t waste my time with any other subgenre. Closing it all out is the bombastic “Keepers of the Gate”: An 8+ minute suite that brings it all together in one last hurrah of metallic valor.
It’s one thing to sound epic. Most traditional metal bands give it a go at one point in their career. It’s another thing to truly be epic. Gatekeeper are epic. Don’t take my word for it. Pick up a copy of From Western Shores and immerse yourself in a baptism of epic metal fire. I’m not saying I want to wait another 5 years for Gatekeeper’s third album, but if I had to, I’d have more than enough to hold me over on this here sophomore slab of heavy supremacy.
8 out of 10
Label: Cruz del Sur Music
Genre: Epic Heavy Metal
For fans of: Eternal Champion, Manilla Road, Helloween