Gloryhammer, the side project of Alestorm’s keytarist & frontman Christopher Bowes, recently released their sophomore album, Space 1992: Rise of the Chaos Wizards. Most people worry about a sophomore slump, especially when a first album is peppered with some amazing tracks as Tales from the Kingdom of Fife is. Fortunately, Chaos Wizards is as tight and well composed as their debut.
Just like the first album, Space 1992 starts with an ominous intro setting the stage for what’s to come. That, in the far off future of 1992, war has returned to the galaxy. Horns & excellent composition make it feel like the intro credits to a movie; Zargothrax played by Sam Rockwell, Angus McFife played by Seth Rogen or something. I don’t know.
The album is rife with gallop rhythms, wicked guitar solos, and quests. If I know one thing about Gloryhammer & Alestorm, it’s that quests are important. Thomas Winkler’s vocals offer an edgy/gritty combination that gives me occasional feelings of Dio. And since he’s singing about space goblins, dragons, and wizards, that’s a great thing.
Legend of the Astral Hammer is going to get added to “lyrics I mishear” as Legend of the Asshole Hammer. However, it’s a great track, with similar drive to Hail to Crail. Set the Universe on Fire has a ton of synth and a bigger dance rhythm than you’d expect on an epic space metal album, and it really sounds great. And the Hollywood Hootsman is just a great track altogether.
Having Christopher Bowes compose the tracks on both albums means that there’s strong thematic links between the two. Not just in the “oh hey they use gallop rhythm & double kicks” technical stuff, but the chord progressions and phrasings link back to Tales from the Kingdom of Fife. Few bands will release a fun concept album, then a sequel that is also a concept album. Fewer can succeed at it. Gloryhammer is one of the bands to do it.
Also: If you get the fancy ass edition of the album, there’s a second album that’s orchestral instrumentals following the general theme of the two albums. It sounds like the score to a movie. An epic space movie. I look forward to the day they’re able to put it together. Also when they tour the US. I bet they’re amazing live.