When Kerrigan came across my radar in 2023, I fell head over heels for their debut album, Bloodmoon. Their unique fusion of FWOSHM worship and melodic metal slickness grabbed me hook, line, and sinker, earning an elusive 10/10 rating and making it all the way to #8 on our 2023 year end list. And yet it seemed as if I was the only one riding aboard the Kerrigan bandwagon. In the years since their immaculate debut, I’ve heard next to nobody echo their praises, not just within the American metal scene, but globally. This isn’t to say the Europeans aren’t better in-tune than us Yanks are when it comes to this band, but when it comes to social media discourse, I sure hear about the likes of Castle Rat or Unto Others far more than Kerrigan.
Fast forward and these Teutonic hook-machines are back with a new lineup and a new album, Wayfarer. And when I say “new lineup”, that’s only half true. The core duo of Jonas Weber (vocals/guitars) and Bruno Schotten (guitars) remain at the forefront, while Jonathan Döring, who held down the beat on Bloodmoon, has since been initiated as a full time member. Rounding out the unit is bassist Jakob Zeblin, who also plays with Weber and Schotten in funeral doom band, Lone Wanderer, albeit as drummer. Together, this revamped Kerrigan come out of the gate strong with album that, while not of Bloodmoon‘s caliber, is a fitting successor.
What stands out the most on Wayfarer is the emphasis on melodic metal. Whereas Bloodmoon really balanced itself between this hook-driven approach and ripping traditional metal akin to the FWOSHM, Satan, etc., Wayfarer largely relies on the former. Only whereas the melodic moments on Bloodmoon were reminiscent of Mindless Sinner, Proud, etc., Wayfarer feels a little more in line with Sumerlands, Haunt, and, dare I say, Ghost. Maybe it’s the production, the vocal delivery, or the overall execution, but I can’t help but hear the Papa Emeritus *insert number here* influence on songs like “Torchbearer”, “The Ice Witch”, and the title track, as well as a hint of gloomy atmosphere. Perhaps hints of Lone Wanderer are seeping in?
While the front half of Wayfarer teeters back and forth for this here metallist, it’s the back half in which the band really finds their footing and heads off to the races, starting with “Blood and Steel”. I’m always down for a good ol’ fashioned battle march, especially when it sounds like Queensrÿche circa The Warning. “Dystopia” keeps the old school feeling running hot, showcasing the band’s thrilling take on classic speed with a melodic twist, while “Fighter” boasts some air guitar-friendly riffs reminiscent of the NWOBHM’s peak, bursting out of our speakers with denim and leather-clad attitude. The closing “Red Light Tower” proves to be the most compelling of the melodic numbers, emphasizing a dreamy, haunting atmosphere that leaves the listener hungry for more.
Although Wayfarer doesn’t reach the heights of Bloodmoon, calling it a “sophomore slump” would be grossly inaccurate. This is a remarkably strong euro traditional metal affair, reestablishing practically everything Kerrigan did great the first time around. If this album is what it’ll take to finally get headbangers talking about this band, then I’m all for it, even the Ghost-ish moments, and I know at least a handful of you do enjoy that band. Whether you’re a closeted ghoul or not, Kerrigan’s Wayfarer will scratch your itch for metal that’s both melodic and moody.
7 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Century, Sumerlands, Ghost