• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Utah's Caladan Brood has done something very few bands have; they came from out of nowhere, seemingly, and released an absolute monster of an album. Echoes of Battle may be the most apt album title ever as this band succeeds on almost every level at creating an atmosphere of ancient warfare that, if you close your eyes, you will find the clock has turned back 1000 years. I'm desperately trying to avoid hyperbole in my description of Echoes of Battle but there were times when listening to the album that the imagery in my head was so clear, I actually forgot I was listening to music.

Bands like Moonsorrow and Agalloch will give the best musical comparison, though Caladan Brood doesn't emulate either. Keyboards are the main instrument, especially in the first three songs. Their somber and melancholy melodies provide a rich foundation upon which the powerful drums, rasping vocals and spare guitars recreate what it must have sounded like to be waist-deep in combat with nothing but sword and shield separating men from one another and life from death. The haunting, layered chants signify the harsh glory of both the victors and losers. The second half of Echoes of Battle actually gets even better beginning with, in my opinion, the highlight of the album, "To Walk the Ashes of Dead Empires." Not only is the title one of the coolest I've ever heard, but the song, which clocks in at 13:47, is simply awesome for each and every second. The guitar sound is monstrous and every other instrument and vocal is in perfect sync. Much as I hate to miss any part of Echoes of Battle, I often found myself skipping ahead just to get to this song. If I was forced to voice a fault with the album, it would be that some of the songs are a bit long, but that is a miniscule nit I'm picking.

Echoes of Battle is not an album to be missed. Caladan Brood is the new standard bearer for Epic Metal and they hold the flag high and proud.