Not too long ago I reviewed Winterhymn’s latest release Blood & Shadow. From Winterhymn Warg, Sieven and Ulfr left to form Siegelord in 2013 adding Therod on guitar. Even though the band has ties to Winterhymn the music differs quite a bit (my guess is that may even have been the reason they left to form Siegelord). Whereas Winterhymn plays folk metal mixed with black, death and power metal Siegelord is more towards melodic death metal with hints of black metal. Epic battles and mythology awaits the listener as Siegelord grants you a battlefield filled with bloodshed. Think of bands like Ex Deo, Amon Amarth and Dissection then you know which direction Siegelord are going.

While listening to Ascent of the Fallen I can’t help but draw a lot of parallels to the latest offering from Amon Amarth, Jomsviking. A melodic death metal concept album has been done before of course but this album has more in common with Jomsviking than anything else I’ve heard. The groovy riffs, harsh vocals and tales of war and battle simply makes me think of Amon Amarth. Like when I hear A Grim Destiny which then leads to Unkillable I can’t help but think of the opening track of Jomsviking, First Kill. This isn’t anything negative as I had Jomsviking set as my favorite album last year and if you also enjoyed it then you will also have a great time with Ascent of the Fallen. Siegelord delivers a dark fantasy world that even Tolkien would deem worthy.

Looking for a tale of epic proportions? A tale that involves war, betrayal and the birth to a new dark conqueror. If you are then Siegelord’s debut album Ascent of the Fallen will keep you more than occupied. A great debut and the future is bright for the Siegelords. Definitely an album that didn’t get the attention it deserved during 2016.

Ascent of the Fallen is out now as an independent release.

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For fans of: Ex Deo and Amon Amarth

Favorite song: Totem