ELVENKING - Era
November 13, 2012, 12 years ago
(AFM Records)
Italian power/folk metal band ELVENKING have been plying their unique trade since 1997. On it’s seventh studio full-length, Era, the band builds off their epic, chant-able choruses, catchy hooks, memorable melodies and dramatic vocal harmonies. With its distinctive European/Scandinavian flavor — CHILDREN OF BODOM and IN FLAMES coming to mind more than once — Elvenking deliver a blend of power and folk metal influences without being too trite or cliché. American rock/metal influences such as BON JOVI, SAVATAGE and TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA creep in as well, most likely due to the fact that vocalist Jon Oliva (JON OLIVA’S PAIN, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ex-Savatage) guests on two songs; the epic, rock opera ‘Forget-Me-Not’ and the eerily catchy ‘I Am The Monster.’ The unique vocal qualities of Damna and the contribution of full-time violinist Lethien are highlights to the band’s unique charm. Probably their best effort to date.
