Forgive me if I’m wrong here, but this was originally a one-off project from Trond Holter (Wig Wam) and Jorn Lande, based as a Dracula Rock Opera. I guess when things become successful, it make sense to resurrect the project and try to take it forward. This time the project carries Holter’s name, and is all about Vlad The Impaler.
First things first – the production is epic and sounds freakin’ huge. The lead off track, Worlds On Fire, is just killer. Fat monster guitar and a vocal very reminiscent of Wig Wam – which is not a bad thing as I really like that band (this sounds a lot heavier though). Awakened is up next and let’s carry on with those epic vibes. Huge melody and hook and that massive guitar sound is always just underneath. Drums Of Doom is just evil. The marching beat aligned to THAT guitar sound, and then horses at the ready, we’re off to a good old Maiden gallop. Killer riff and groove to the intro of The Last Generation, and you can tell Mr. Holter wants this to be another rock opera – every melody and hook is very cinematic and huge. Side 1 closes out with I’ll Die For You, and boy what a killer riff and pounding groove.
Shadows Of Love is the big ballad on the album and is very theatrical. It’s favourite track time, and Without You is a belter. Fantastic heavy riff and double kicks all the way. Another evil sounding piece with a seriously epic vocal. Killer tune! Under My Skin features Eva Erichsen on vocals, and this was a close second for my favourite tune. I love the instrumental section on this, and that riff! The instrumental title track follows with a very classical opening, and then a superb chugga riff kicks in – it does have a somewhat medieval vibe. The album closes out with Save Me Part 2 – where do they get all these riffs from? A seemingly never ending supply. Another killer tune to sign off on. I love the duelling vocals.
A monster production and a killer record. A warning though, as this pressing is very noisy and this is the third copy I have had. Frontiers really need to get their act together as I think this is album number 6 of theirs I have problems with.
9.5 /10 from The Grooveman.
