Artist......: Graveland
Album.......: Blood of Heroes
Year........: 2024
Genre.......: Black Metal
Label.......: Hammer of Damnation
Cat.No......: HOD269
Source......: CDEP
Encoder.....: libFLAC 1.3.1 20141125
Bitrate.....: 893 kbps avg.
F.Rate......: 44.1kHz
Playtime....: 00:16:15 / 108.16MB
R.Date......: 2024-06-22
S.Date......: 2024-05-07
Website.....:
01. I Am What They Fear 6:40
02. Blood of Heroes 9:35
After releasing the gorgeous Memory and Destiny, Rob Darken quickly
followed it up with the Blood of Heroes EP. The contents of the EP are in
all likelihood tracks that didnÆt make the cut for Memory and Destiny. The
two songs are in a similar style, employing the same musical elements and
creating a similar oceanic aura. However, there are a few factors that
distinguish Blood of Heroes from Memory and Destiny. The arrangements on
Blood of Heroes are thinned out. While there are big synths, they are
nowhere near as layered as those found on Memory and Destiny. The result is
a more open sound. While the synths starred on Memory and Destiny, here the
guitars and synth are on about equal footing. The drumming is also more
prominent, sounding far more sharp and crisp than on most Graveland
recordings.
ôI am What They Fearö is definitely the stronger of the two songs. Rob
employs his fusion of bold riffs and heavenly synths within a faster, more
upbeat framework. The choir wails a glorious tune while the drums provide a
galloping pace. The faster pace marries the violence and nobility of the
warrior into one attacking yet elegant sound. The title track isnÆt as
interesting. ItÆs a fairly standard piece for this era, but it lacks a
truly memorable riff.
All in all one would have to conclude that Rob did a good job in choosing
which songs to keep off of Memory and Destiny. While ôI am What They Fearö
is an excellent song, its fast pace and aggressive attitude would have been
out of place amongst the mid-tempo, reflective pieces on Memory and
Destiny. On the other hand, ôBlood of Heroesö just doesnÆt stand out. ItÆs
a solid but not spectacular piece that lacks a truly stellar riff. In sum,
Blood of Heroes is a nice a quick fix for those who canÆt get enough of
GravelandÆs pagan metal era.