Hah there’s a “spaghetti western” remix of Gloryhammer’s Set the Universe on Fire, and it’s pretty solid. It’s got the rap horn in it and everything! There’s some banjo up in there too, which doesn’t sound too out of place, especially since there are more than a few metal bands throwing all sorts of stuff into their mix, including lutes, accordions, and washboards.
Can’t wait to hear this getting love at clubs in the area.
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.
THE FIRST MUSIC VIDEO FOR RISE OF THE CHAOS WIZARDS WAS RELEASED TODAY. Gloryhammer is following up their concept album with a sequel. This album is a sequel to another album! Who does that??? GLORYHAMMER DO.
Bombastic operatic metal with a hard driving double kick drumline behind it is so fantastic. Especially if the singer is apt, and Thomas Winkler’s voice is fan-damn-tastic. The guitar solo is tight, noodly, and great, even if the guitarist is a hologram!
All in all, they are doing an amazing job amping me up for their next album.
September 25th! That’s when Gloryhammer’s next album comes out, this time about space!
From the YouTube description:
It`s probably just a question of time until the universe taps into the force that is Gloryhammer – they should at least consider having their soundtracks composed by the international power metal act lead by Alestorm keyboardist / singer Christopher Bowes! Space 1992: Rise of the Chaos Wizards is the next chapter of the epic Gloryhammer saga! It rewrites history and future alike and raises the Astral Hammer to smash the evil Chaos Wizards: this extravagant background is perfect material for galloping, highly melodic power metal that merges galactic fire with unforgettable metal anthems!
Here’s the officially released song, Universe on Fire, which has an electro synth pop kinda sound to it. Makes me feel like I should be playing Marvel Vs Capcom or something.
And a less official one for Legend of the Astral Hammer, which sounds more like what we heard in their debut album.
Hey you know how I love Alestorm, and I posted about their keytarist doing a side project called Gloryhammer. Well the album came out in Europe on Monday and I’ve had the opportunity to listen to various tracks thanks to those copyright violators with Youtube accounts.
This is the power metal I’ve been looking for since the last Alestorm album, good true power metal. As I mentioned in the last post, it’s a concept album about an evil wizard, Zargothrax, corrupting unicorns, turning them into zombie unicorns, and setting them upon the town of Dundee. Angus McFife is set on a quest to find the Hammer of Glory and defeat the wizard.
They talk about it, in The Unicorn Invasion of Dundee:
High concept albums about wizards and unicorns and princesses is the great kind of metal I can get behind. The vocalist has some moments where he gives off a real Dio vibe, and the guitars are the noodly wailing that is perfect for power metal. And the recurring thematic elements really tie the album together, which is always welcome.
I just want to see a double bill of Gloryhammer and Alestorm. They could call the show/tour Quest Fest. Either that or a Rock Opera based on album. Or both. I’d see them all.
The crazy keytarist from Alestorm, Christopher Bowes, has a side project going, which is kickass Scottish power metal about wizards & shit. From their youtube page:
GLORYHAMMER is the new project of Christopher Bowes, the mastermind of the Pirate Metal sensation ALESTORM. “Tales from the Kingdom of Fife” is a concept album and tells the story of an alternate -history medieval Scotland, a realm of dragons, wizards, magic and dark sorcery. It is the legend of the glorious hero Angus McFife, who wages a long war against the evil wizard Zargothrax, in order to free the people of Dundee. GLORYHAMMER clads these stories in a symphonic Power Metal armor, which will take the listener by storm and will transport them right into the midst of an epic adventure. Pounding doublebass, enthralling riffs and bombastic orchestral parts turn songs like “The Quest for the Hammer of Glory” or “Angus McFife” into catchy songs that will leave you craving for more. GLORYHAMMER creates the perfect balance between in-your-face speed tracks and epic Metal hymns. A real highlight comes in the form of vocalist Thomas Winkler (EMERALD), whose magnificent voices guides you through the adventure. The album was recorded and produced by Lasse Lammert at the LSD Studios — the same studio that brought you the classic ALESTORM longplayers! Metal fans should make sure to enter the legendary world of Angus McFife and GLORYHAMMER! Prepare for epic battles!
Concept albums! Wizards! Zargothrax! I can’t wait to hear more. Anyway, here’s their video for Angus McFife: