Like Manowar? Iron Maiden? Grand Magus? Welcome to the world of Heathen Kings. Named after ancient lords of middle-earth, Fealty to None is the bombastic, soaring debut album from the Suffolk outfit who unashamedly wear their traditional metal badge across their armour with pride.
Nine tracks of high-octane metal, a mix of speed, power and classic styles meld into an up-tempo album that rips along. Blending melody with a cutting edge, Heathen Kings present songs which sing of fantasy, history, gods, and days of old.
Fealty to None opens strongly with “In the Hall of the Kings”. A soaring anthemic track that sets out the band’s intentions from the start. The dual guitar work of Oscar Charlton and Peter O’Reilly is neat, and the interplay continues in the second track, which happens to be the title song of the album. Vocalist Andy Clarke moves from Eric Singer to Bruce Dickinson in pitch, although he’s not attempting to replicate the Maiden frontman in anyway.
There’s a reassuring familiarity in some of these songs. Heathen Kings aren’t bringing anything new to the party after all. But what they do, they do well. Songs like “I Am the Hammer”, and the slow chug of “Heart of the Mountain Horde” show a versatility in their song writing, mixing up the pace to deliver a more expansive style. It doesn’t always work that well, with the latter a little bit disted but overall, the ambition is matched by the band’s musical quality which for the most part is sparkling.
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Whilst there is a theme underpinning all of the songs, the musings of the reluctant warrior who is at the centre of the music, the tracks do stand on their own. “Flight of the Intruder” has a lovely melodic vibe that allows the heavier and faster elements to work. It’s very Maiden in style but it works because the band have also developed their own organic style rather than attempting to copy any one artist.
With a rhythm section anchored by drummer Joel Kurta and bassist Alex Body there is plenty to discover here. It’s not going to win album of the year, but this is a band whose dedication to the cause is more important than any accolade. There are some strong songs that provide balance to the weaker ones, such as “Warriors Choice” which is a bit of a struggle. Overall, Fealty to None is enjoyable, a fun listen and provides a fresh option to a classic twist.
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Fealty to None is out on May 26th
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