You can never have too many swords in the world of heavy metal – and that's a mantra Dolmen Gate embodies with fierce enthusiasm, drawing you into their epic saga right from the start. Imagine a band that's not just playing heavy metal; they're living it, crafting tales that echo through the ages. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this rapid-fire release schedule a stroke of genius, or a potential recipe for burnout? Let's dive in and explore why Echoes of Ancient Tales might just be the album that changes your mind about modern metal revivals.
Portugal's Ravensire knew the score when it came to wielding swords in their music, as seen in their three albums that proudly followed in the heavy metal traditions set by compatriots like Ironsword. Even after Ravensire's unfortunate disbandment in 2020, drummer Alex and guitarist Nuno1 didn't let that dampen their spirits. They rallied a fresh lineup under the Dolmen Gate name and hit the ground running. Their debut EP, Finis Imperii, dropped in 2023, followed by the debut album Gateways of Eternity last year, and now – just a year later – they've unleashed their sophomore effort, Echoes of Ancient Tales. To some, this might feel like rushing headlong into the fray, but I see it differently: Dolmen Gate is seizing the moment while their creative forge is blazing hot, and they're only just hitting their stride.
Building on an already solid foundation, Echoes of Ancient Tales represents a significant leap forward for the band. At its heart, the album captures that grand, riff-driven energy reminiscent of legendary acts like Manilla Road and the early days of Manowar. For newcomers to this genre, think of it as storytelling through music – epic battles, mythical quests, and heroic anthems set to thunderous guitars. If you're already familiar with other sword-and-sorcery revival bands, such as Gatekeeper or the aforementioned Ironsword, you'll quickly recognize the vibe: powerful, immersive, and steeped in tradition. And this is the part most people miss: the album's infusion of New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM) influences, like the galloping rhythms in tracks such as 'The Maze' and 'The Prophecy,' adds a layer of sophistication, drawing from pioneers like Satan to boost both variety and credibility. Drummer Alex lays down furious beats, while guitarists Kiko and Artur trade blistering riffs that blend lightning-fast sections (as in 'Carthage Eternal') with heavier, stomp-worthy passages (think 'A Tale of Time's End,' evoking the gritty edge of Cirith Ungol). Vocalist Ana brings a smoky, restrained delivery that perfectly complements the instrumentation, lending the band a distinctive, unforgettable character. Best of all, this record addresses a key flaw from their debut: the vocals are no longer buried in the mix. Ana's performance shines with newfound confidence and prominence, rightfully taking center stage and elevating the entire experience.
Dolmen Gate's songwriting continues to evolve, packing an even heavier punch with each release. Take the opening salvo of 'Souls to Sea' seamlessly flowing into 'The Maze' – it's a clear declaration that the band refuses to stay stagnant. They're exploring new territories while staying true to their roots. In the realm of revival-style music, authenticity reigns supreme, and Dolmen Gate excels here, sounding influenced by their heroes yet attuned to contemporary heavy metal scenes. The almighty riff remains their cornerstone, expertly woven with patterns from various metal subgenres – and even some of its more intense offshoots – to create infectious hooks in anthems like 'The Maze' and 'Carthage Eternal,' alongside sprawling epics such as 'Souls to Sea' and the connected duo of 'Afore the Storm' into 'We Are the Storm.' No beats are skipped in this masterful blend.
Without a doubt, Echoes of Ancient Tales stands as the finest pure heavy metal album of the year. Over the past decade, a wave of new epic heavy metal groups has emerged, many grasping the essentials. Yet, it seems the shift from Ravensire to Dolmen Gate – including lineup changes – ignited the spark these musicians needed to ascend. As a result, Dolmen Gate emerges as one of the most genuine and skilled acts out there, excelling in both composition and production while carving out their own niche. For instance, compared to some bands that mimic without innovation, Dolmen Gate adds subtle modern twists, like refined dynamics in their riffs, making their music feel fresh yet faithful. Raise your swords high and step through the gate – this is heavy metal at its most exhilarating!
Tracks to Check Out: Dive into 'The Maze' for that galloping energy, experience the stomping might of 'A Tale of Time's End,' and let 'We Are the Storm' sweep you away in its epic grandeur.
But let's stir the pot a bit: Some might argue that revival bands like Dolmen Gate are merely rehashing the past, diluting originality in metal. Is authenticity enough, or does the genre need constant reinvention to stay relevant? Do you think this album truly tops the year, or is there another contender? Share your opinions in the comments – agreement or disagreement welcome; let's keep the conversation going!
