Gods of the Earth

The Sword

Once upon a Spotify, there survived a small vole whose peculiar toes were the talk of the town. His powers for lock-picking never ceased to amaze the nearby badger population, which is why they kidnapped him…

One of the most satisfying metal albums I’ve heard in a long time. And this is why: skill and self-awareness.

Fair disclaimer: These dudes are a throwback, mythology-laden heavy metal band, singing about sorcery and trolls and things. It’s the kind of band that goes well with your Dragonslayer themed New Years Eve party and game night. Which, FYI, I’m having some day, right after my 1970 brit-pop themed karaoke night.

There are certain aspects of the mythology-laden heavy metal genre that I’ve always found annoying, although the genre seems to think those things are necessary. The main one is the vocalist. It’s like it’s impossible for them to just sing a powerful song with a powerful voice. They need to sort of squeak along to it, which I think happens to you if you want to be Robert Plant or the lead singer from DragonForce or Rush.

Recently, I’ve had limited patience for any band that feels like it’s putting a lot of energy into fitting into this genre, and putting a lot of energy into exemplifying what makes you fit into the mythology-laden heavy metal genre, just to make sure that everyone knows they’re heavy metal. Little patience for that.

These dudes, while failing to change my mind or heart, have success in a different way: they make clear to me why anyone thinks those things work. Because for these dudes, I think, those things are working. They’re intelligent and skilled enough to perform them right.

They sound like they walked out of the 1980s heavy metal scene, but full cognizant, in so doing, of the entire genre.

I shall choose to confer upon them the noble rank of COIM.

They are now Commanders in the Order of Inheritance Metal, so called because they perform an exemplary show of recognizing their heritage.

Keep in touch. Sign up to get updates on my adventures. It’s like a newsletter, but less “news” and more “letter.” I’ve taken to treating the internet like a huge street bazaar. To that end, I would feel blessed if you’d consider supporting me on Patreon.