It’s something of a niche avenue to follow but Pisa’s Wind Rose demonstrate a longevity with their dwarven metal many bands would give much to emulate.
With their fifth album Trollslayer, the quintet continues their Tolkien themed power metal and despite the criticism aimed at them by the elitists, at the end of a couple of plays I was humming and singing along to their storytelling songs.
Yes, it’s one song that’s made the band’s name, but there is plenty more than the novelty value of Diggy Diggy Hole, the song from 2019’s Wintersaga, which earned the band an astronomical number of hits on the internet.
The music is fast, as one would expect from anyone carrying the power metal banner, and joyously uplifting. Francesco Cavalieri leads with his vocals that race along, on songs which carve out more stories of the dwarves of Middle-Earth. From the opening instrumental Of Ice and Blood which sets the scene with a high level of drama, there’s little time to draw breath as they rattle through nine songs that are bouncing with energy and vibrancy.
It’s impossible not to sing along with the party anthems The Great Feast Underground and Rock and Stone, apparently inspired by space dwarf first-person shooter video game Deep Rock Galactic (this means nothing to me!)
Unsurprisingly Warhammer’s inspiration isn’t far away, and no more than on the soaring title track which sees the keys of Federico Meranda battle with the lead guitar of Claudio Falconcini. Combined with harmonies on the choruses and ample backing vocals, it’s a glorious over-the-top scene that Wind Rose create. Tapping the foot and singing along are mandatory, regardless of how ridiculous one may think. Is it any sillier than the mutilating topics of old school death metal? You decide.
Regardless, Wind Rose show their emotions in the final track No More Sorrow, a seven-and-a-half-minute epic that contemplates loss and heartache in a departure from most of their party-vibe songs. It’s a slightly surprising climax but is delivered with a panache and quality that one would expect. Heading out on a tour with Powerwolf and Hammerfall will provide them with extra exposure and ensure that they continue their upwards journey. Where’s my axe?
Trollslayer is released via Napalm Records on 4th October.
Review by Hutch
Photo credits: Tommaso Barletta
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