First, a brief info about Two Steps From Hell. Who or what is it? I think many readers of this review will already know roughly what is this kind of 'band'. TSFH (abbreviated) is a type of company that composes music for trailer trailer homes and delivers against licenses. Founders are the composer Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix. Although there have been working under the label TSFH already other composers, but they are in relation to this album irrelevant.
Perhaps you've heard one or another composition in an advertisement or movie trailers. There are prominent choices already, that one can understand on their website (under 'Credit').
To provide this kind of music is when the men go to work. Powerful, heroic, adventurous, emotional, dramatic, mostly instrumental music that you want to transfer the listener into other worlds / wants.
Battlecry shall be the official 'ultra-epic' successor SkyWorld. SkyWorld has left a lot of praise, but also some disappointed fans. Previous albums alá Colin Frake (soundtrack to the ebook) or Miracles (collection of very calm and emotional tracks) have the even more stoked. Of course there are also people who do not feel that way, but the fact is that there are such candidates.
So what can you expect from this album? It is clearly in the direction of bombastic sound / Epic and should satisfy those fans who did not want to quiet songs. What is already very clear with the first song. If you want to skip the long evaluation of the individual songs, can skip to the end of the review.
And so I come to the evaluation of the individual tracks. I omit the opinions of instrumental tracks, because I regard them not as good as the 'Full Version'. Those who want to have lyrics in their songs are epic, these are bound to find better:
1. None Shall Live:
As has been said, is made clear here by Thomas Bergersen what will be for an album that. According, heroic, bloody epic. Am almost scared because I at the first time, the music was too loud. Great choir, strings, bass and percussion use. Even something modern by sound effects. Great intro for this album. 8/10
2. Storm Keeper:
Such songs I got from Nick Phoenix expects an album like this, it takes over the role as before for the gloomy, expressive tracks. Somewhat reminiscent of Star Wars and the main feature is the great choral inserts. 7.5 / 10
3. Victory:
And already we are in my opinion the first masterpiece. Victory is fucking epic, has a grandiose melody and me are the percussion inserts kicked directly into the brain. But of course the melody of the strings is a pure pleasure. Both the male choir use (for the first time in English) as well as Merethe Soltvedt (vocalist) also deliver from a great performance. Towards the end come first electric guitars used, you will often hear in the songs of TB. In general, a typical TB track. Listen and enjoy themselves. 10/10
4. Wolf King:
Initially, a beautiful and sensual solo use of Felicia Farerre, NP is then of course again just, epic created. However, not so great choral inserts as Storm keeper, but well done. Towards the end takes on all drive and the choir comes to the best performance. Finally everything Nick is typically completed loud. 7.0 / 10
5. Rise Above:
Again TB on train. Initially Merethe sing me a little known occurring melody, which she sang at the first demo album similar. The track alternates back and forth between uplifting and aggressive, which creates a good variation. Towards the end Merethe sings for about 15 seconds a familiar tune from Phantom of the Opera, which I think is great. 8.5 / 10
6. Spellcaster:
NP unfortunately falls here in a Feared grid, the song is repeated too much, does not develop great melody. Is a little too average for this album. Towards the end, it is somewhat better. Some like one probably here. the aggressive nature of the tracks. 5.0 / 10
7. Never Back Down:
Here I like has composed the melodies of the strings, the TB. Reminds me of older epic albums. Atypical is the English choir. Sounds good but refreshing. Also, I like the transition just after the middle of the track to the final track. General good track through the melody and refreshing for the choir, here uniquely new elements of TB's style have been incorporated. 7.5 / 10
8. Red Tower:
NP has composed an exceptional track for him here, I like the strings to create a medieval flair and represent the main melody of the tracks. The highlight of the track is definitely the vocal duo with Merethe Soltvedt and Felicia Farerre! In my opinion, one of his best songs, because it is something fresh from NP and was well implemented. 8.0 / 10
9. Cannon In D Minor:
A highlight of the album, the song will definitely do justice to its name. Aggressive Percussion stakes are very striking here. Sounds fresh and very epic. Clearly a pirate theme, which can also learn Hans Zimmer! The choir stakes and as I said the pirates melody of strings and winds like me here particularly well. 8.5 / 10
10. Blackout:
Unfortunately, the song I do not like. What was a trap at Spellcaster, is here for me almost a disaster, the same tune nearly 4 minutes continuously without great variation. This is just too monotonous if at least the deposits of Felicia Farerre or the String bets would have been used in the final seconds earlier 'For those who want something, definitely a good track, but for me unfortunately only a 4.0 / 10 Damn pity.
11. Stronger Faster Braver:
Here are many different styles in it, in which circulates the melody and becomes more complex. Reminded me of Final Frontier of Thomas Bergersen's solo album Sun. At first only piano, strings and flutes adventurous. Later, horns, sound effects, electric guitar and the choir. Pure goose bumps in the song, awesome. But unfortunately what is missing for the masterpiece spot. The Final Frontier was then but by supporting Merethe Soltvedt perform better. 9.0 / 10
12. Battle Borne:
Bin since the first Lyric song by NP not so thrilled when he sings. Was I beginning of this song is not really. Meanwhile, I find, however, that the song is a kind of theme song. NP has a great dramatic beginning composes the lyrics that he sings, are suitable for the album and the melody I like also. Variation caused by the vocal stakes before the middle of the song with Felicia Farerre and Merethe Soltvedt, and the accompanying choir, strings, etc. is a good thing that the voices of the vocalists are not too intrusive. Definitely an interesting song. 7.5 / 10
13. Last of the Light:
The song is aimed clearly at those who love the classic TSFH. What has reigned 2007-2008 and enthusiastic. Meanwhile that is easy to uninspired to me. The track is good made from TB, but has long been the first bit disappointing track of him. But as I said, definitely good for lovers of old TSFH. 6.5 / 10
14. Ultra Ground:
Actually has a great dramatic melody, so I find it a pity that I have to give the song a bit by monitoring assessment. But NP is here again evident in the excessively repetitive melodies like pattern. The song is missing something as Red Tower has. Would certainly a great track when here some variety would have been purely taken. 6.5 / 10
15. Release Me:
Damn typical of TB, you immediately recognize at the outset that it is he. Has a lot to boost the new style, which he has used in recent years songs. Both the choir and the transition (Uplifting part towards the middle) to the final I like most. Good track. 8.5 / 10
16. Freedom Ship:
For me, the best song of NP in this album, here NP actually shows no weaknesses. A melody that impresses itself, great piano intro and vocal inserts of Merethe Soltvedt and Felicia Farerre. 8.5 / 10
17. Amaria:
Known from the Demo Album Amaria. Has not changed much. I thought it was before that great because it sounds fresh by the choir and the various musical instruments. The new instruments also result in continued best. Since the song was already very percussion-heavy before, it fits perfectly into the album. Epic is already from the middle. Towards the end of the song breaks the tradition of the album, that songs of TB and NP have come alternately. And for good reason. As it performs a piano playing in the next song '9.5 / 10
18. Flight of the Silver Bird:
Now 'the most surprising track for me, especially since I'd rather not get up adventurous tracks. The playful flute intro, the adventure, which is then played freezing of the drums with the interplay between the instruments. Everything fits. Towards the middle it will be something more serious by the choir and the lower blower. Epic with the electric guitars and serious. Just perfect run. 10/10
19 Outpost:
Again a typical track of NP, which is enhanced by Merethe Soltvedt and Felicia Farerre. They do a great job with their voices. I like the track in the middle of the best, through the instruments and vocal use. Otherwise album typically dramatic and action-packed. 6.0 / 10
20. Unforgiven:
The melody made me immediately on Moving Mountains, also of TB, recalls. And on a surprisingly positive manner. He has a little recycled an old idea and the style used similar but perfected by the experience that he has gained since then! Simply right here much, the chorus, the instruments, the strings, the intro and outro. Finally, another dramatic track of TB! 9.0 / 10
21. Across the Blood Water:
The melody and the voice of Felicia Farerre make a great figure here. Since there is not much to say except that the highlight of the song starts from the middle. The choir used the end comes across well and dramatic. 7.5 / 10
22. No Honor In Blood (TB):
Reminds me of Chase The Light, not because of the melody, which is definitely different, but because of the nature of the track. The exciting design of the melody that is very dramatic. Has something of the Batman works by Hans Zimmer. This type I like very much. The choir makes it all the better. 8.0 / 10
23. Sariel (NP):
Would have to be the brother of Archangel. At least the melody reminds me of it. Choir and Melody are here beautiful dramatic and make a good completion of Lieder by NP represents. The highlight is definitely the end of it. 7.5 / 10
24 Star Sky:
In addition to Flight of the Silverbird the most surprising song. For me the second best song of the album. Here tune melody Felicia Farerre's voice, lyrics and sound effects. The type of use Choir (children?) Is also new and refreshing. The transitions by flute, violin, etc. have been implemented just fine. Towards the end there is then another goose bumps by the solo violins play of Thomas Bergersen. Best Lyric Song of Two Steps From Hell! Another masterpiece. 10/10
In summary, my expectations have been met to the album. Regarding the theme that would tackle the album, and my expectations of Nick Phoenix. Equally pleasing is that TB and NP did a kind mix of old and new styles, thereby, the fans would have to find their way both 'Fanlager'. That was as above divided by something SkyWorld, Miracles, etc..
Disappointed be probably. be those who have more songs like Colin Frake, Miracles or SkyWorld hopes. This album might seem uninspired and unexciting. Since no progress, by certain experiments (such as El Dorado at SkyWorld or All Is Bright That Ends Well) has been dared. In this case, could probably. Battle Borne, Star Sky or Flight of the Silverbird help. Here TB and NP have tried purely by their experience over the years to provide fans of the epic songs satisfied. But it could also be perceived differently.
By the alternating presence of TB and NP the album has a great variation and so is the satisfaction of various flavors safe. Nick has the dramatic and epic vein of TSFH where Thomas convinces with great melodies.
I hope I could help you to get an accurate insight into the album and facilitate the purchase decision. Otherwise, best to try. You definitely get a lot for the money when you consider the cost of the live orchestra and the amount of songs. Maybe listen several times, for me the album each time was better. Until the next album, a lot of fun while listening '
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