Riverflame is new band formed from members of Ponte Del Diavolo and Hail Spirit Noir. They create a proper journey back to the heroic times of old.

RIVERFLAME

Riverflame is new band formed from members of Ponte Del Diavolo (Season of Mist) and Hail Spirit Noir, and this is a proper journey back to the heroic times of old. Think Stormkeep meets Blind Guardian. It has fast shifts in pace, dramatic turns, wizards, battles… the full fantasy experience.

It’s only five tracks and runs a tight 38 minutes, but it doesn’t feel short. Super clean production, icy sharp riffs, loads of movement. Released April 26th via Code666. The whole album has a really daring swing to it and is incredibly technical at points.

BARD-LIKE STYLE

The first track opens in a proper bard-like style. With warm pads underneath, a voice welcoming you into what feels like a story being told. Then the war drums hit. It feels epic and dramatic, before it opens into a really strong riff that gallops straight into blackened heavy metal territory. Bright guitars ride over, its very NWOBHM in spirit. There’s even a horn-led mid bridge section which is a great touch. It closes with that same voice drifting into a void like synth.

Where Dragons Once Ruled is my favourite song on the album. More focused, brilliant galloping drums and a melodic riff that genuinely makes you feel like you’re riding into battle. The pacing across this album is one of its biggest strengths and this track really shows that. The drums in this track are incredible at points, my most liked section in the album is the bridge before the last 2 minutes or so. It’s incredible.

LUNAR CRUSADES

I was hoping for at least one dungeon synth leaning track, and I was very pleased with it, given the synth heavy parts I wasn’t surprised. Lovely synth work, atmospheric and slightly nostalgic. It’s great that this is the title track as well. There are even moments that gave me Mortiis Stargate-era vocals in this was an awesome touch. A lovely palate cleanser.

Through Mistlands of Unearthly Worlds is an awesome track on the album that splits the thing open again. Big, epic opening before diving back into those fast, heroic tremolo sections that run throughout the record. The guitars shine once more. Yes, it flirts with cheese in places, but I’m absolutely fine with that. The light choir pads on this track are a standout detail.

That familiar voice returns, which I love, keeping that thread running through the album makes it feel cohesive. It opens in a big, epic way and even brushes against that 80s hard rock / heavy metal feel of Manowar, albeit in its own style. It’s dramatic, melodic and closes the album properly. It is the longest track on the album but it made me leave wanting more, which isn’t a band thing. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more of Riverflame.

Overall, this is a great record if you’re into melodic black metal with a power metal edge. Fast, heroic, slightly theatrical, but done well. Definitely worth picking up a copy, especially the flaming yellow vinyl variant.

Riverflame: Instagram

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