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Band: Iron Void
Album title: Excalibur
Release date: 25 May 2018
Label: Shadow Kingdom Records
Tracklist:
01. Dragon's Breath
02. The Coming Of A King
03. Lancelot Of The Lake
04. Forbidden Love
05. Enemy Within
06. The Grail Quest
07. A Dream To Some, A Nightmare To Others
08. The Death Of Arthur
09. Avalon
King Arthur? Check. A valiant quest? Check. Damsels? Check. Forbidden love? Check.
From the first song of UK doom stalwart Iron Void’s new third album Excalibur it’s clear that this nine-track concept album retelling the King Arthur legend, for better or worse, would fit right in with classic 80s doom. And, that is their obvious intention. After issuing their first two albums on Doomanoid Records, Iron Void chose Shadow Kingdom Records for this dynamic doom release.
“Dragon’s Breath”, the album opener, teases an acoustic introduction before quickly laying down heavy slabs of traditional doom riffery. Over the course of the next eight songs listeners travel through misty moors of body-strewn battles and Arthurian quests before succumbing to the acoustic closer “Avalon.” If listeners did not know they were purchasing a concept album, the song titles themselves are self-explanatory: “Lancelot Of The Lake;” “The Grail Quest;” and “The Death Of Arthur.”
Vocalist/bassist Jonathan “Sealey” Seale’s (also known from Solstice and The Lamp Of Thoth) clean vocals ring clear and true in the mix and are a pleasant departure from the current trend of death/blackened vocals in the doom genre. (In other words, he can SING well.) Steve Wilson, guitars/vocals, has accomplished a difficult task in creating memorable guitar licks grounded in traditional doom structures, but that sound contemporary. His use of harmony guitar tracks is subtle without being obnoxious. At times Richard Maw’s solid drum attack reminds me of classic Candlemass and Cathedral songs. My only complaint is that he doesn’t let the kick drum loose which would only enhance his tracks.
Iron Void’s incorporation of folk and traditional British melodies in songs such as “Lancelot Of The Lake” and “Forbidden Love” make this album more unique than standard doom fare. Steeleye Span would whole heartedly approve. Fans of The Gates Of Slumber, Dio and other fantasy-metalers should soon have this album on heavy rotation at their next sesh.
Review written by: Russell Orchard
Rating: 7/10
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