LAST TRIBE ‘The Uncrowned ’
(Frontiers FRCD172) (2003)
The third album by this Swedish melodic metal act, the brainchild of
songwriter/guitarist Magnus Karlsson. In vocalist Rikard Bengtsson they have
a classic metal screamer who has the vocal power when needed but can easily
tackle ballads/slower pieces of music.
Lyrically its as you expect with a fantasy slant and there are plenty of crunching guitars, with keyboards also
high in the mix (played by Karlssson as well!). Pick of the bunch has to be
the opener, Healer that rolls in on a wave of keys and guitar with an
anthemic chorus. Royal Hunt fans will enjoy this one, especially as
Bengtsson has moments very similar to Royal Hunt's John West. Full
Moon is one for lovers of 80s hard rock a la Prophet (in the song
structure) and Lillian Axe (in the guitars), moving from all out riffing to
quieter passages a definate track for the live arena. Another plus point
in this album's favour is the changes in tempo, its not all galloping riffs
or slow, brooding passages.
One for fans of Royal Hunt for definite not as strong overall as
Royal Hunt's latest album but a cut above many of the other metal releases
out there vying for your cash and attention. Be nice to see them over for
the Gods festival next year!
****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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