Traditional metal and black metal are two genres that don’t often cross paths, but when they do, the result is often something dark, intense, and undeniably heavy. Such was the case with Morgul Blade’s debut masterpiece, Fell Sorcery Abounds. Admittedly, this album boasted facets of epic metal, power metal, and doom metal as well, but it was all these unique qualities and more that shot it to the top of our 2021 year end list. In the few years since, I can’t think of another band who so subtly balanced both traditional and extreme metal, which left this here hesher patiently awaiting the band’s sophomore strike.
After what’s felt like a lifetime, the reigning lords of all things arcane and metallic have risen with Heavy Metal Wraiths. With an album title like that, and equally captivating cover art to boot, I braced myself for another epic metal voyage through the Tolkien-verse and other expanses unknown. And while this is largely what we’re treated to on HMW, by no means is it a rehash of its predecessor. As a matter of fact, it’s darker, heavier, and far more blackened, which in turn gives the music and its surrounding atmosphere a far more aggressive edge.
The first few cuts on here largely pick up where Fell Sorcery Abounds left off. The opening “Eagle Strike” and title track fall in line with Painkiller era Judas Priest, boasting those industrial strength twin guitars, anthemic choruses, and defiant spirit. The lengthy and ambitious “Beneath the Black Sails” recalls the doomiest moments of Morgul Blade’s early work, blatantly tapping into that Cirith Ungol vein, yet without sounding like a blatant rehash of the Frost and Fire legends. To say I was content with the direction of this album from the get go would be an understatement. Then things took a turn for the diabolical.
From the bone-chilling attack of “Frostwyrm Cavalry” onwards, Morgul Blade goes full blown blackened traditional metal mode, drawing heavily from the genre’s first and second waves. The aforementioned “Frostworm Cavalry” boasts riffs and melodies reminiscent of prime Dissection, as does the aptly titled “Razor Sharp”. The ripping speed of “Spider God” showcases the band at their most savage, going full blown blackened thrash mode and taking no prisoners along the way. And in trve kvlt fashion, there’s even dungeon synth interludes scattered about (“A Welcoming Hearth”, “The Last in a Line of Kings”).
As the epic metal valor of “Neither Cross Nor Crown” wallops us with one last wield of the sword, Morgul Blade continues to dazzle headbangers young and old with their truly unique spin on the genre. Admittedly, HMW doesn’t immediately strike me the same way Fell Sorcery Abounds did, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a damn muscular album. Furthermore, good luck finding another traditional (or extreme for that matter) metal album this month that’s this sonically distinctive. Enemies of the steel beware! The Heavy Metal Wraiths that are Morgul Blade strike with lethal precision and indisputable power.
8 out of 10
Label: No Remorse Records
Genre: Black/Heavy Metal
For fans of: Cirith Ungol, Dawnbringer, Dissection
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