Drakkar - Once Upon A Time… In Hell
This Belgium Speed metal band formed in 1983, whilst inactive for most of the period in between, 2012 saw a re-emergence with a “reloaded” version of their 1988 release ‘X-Rated’ (with a couple of extra tracks). ‘Once Upon A Time…In Hell’ translates to their second full length album and the band have clearly moved on from their roots and such are now playing a more modern power/traditional metal style.
Many similarities can be pin pointed to artists like Iced Earth and Germany’s Paragon, the style of the vocals is in tune with them both whilst musically you get a hybrid of late 90’s traditional power metal made popular in Europe at that time. ‘Angels of Stone’ and the epic ‘Babel’ stand out from the release immediately. Both possess strong group vocals, harmonies and intricate guitar passages. ‘Never Give Up’ has a nice melodic piece in the solo that sounds a bit like a power ballad solo actually at about 3:39 minutes, with the remainder of the track battling forward through the concept of war and historical references. ‘War’ is another hard hitting power metal assault, all of these tunes are delivered with a little more gusto than the general EU power metal tag that could be associated with Drakkar, there’s a touch of progressive metal in the album via some real virtuoso moments and in all honesty, if you were to not look at the album details prior to listening you could be in the realm of the genres big hitters here.
There is one aspect of the album that does however fall flat, for me the vocals have some limitations and perhaps try too hard on songs like ‘Saint Bartholomew’s Night’ as they sound strained, but that’s the only real notable detraction of this release. Drakkar have proved that retro recordings don’t necessarily have to be released to bring a band back from hibernation, there is still a market for this style and when it has an element of strength like many of these tracks possess then it all sounds worthy of your hard earned cash. ‘Once Upon A Time…In Hell’ is a release filled with battle hard arrangements, musical compositions of lyrical substance and enjoyable in more than a few places. I wouldn’t say it’s without its quirks, but it is well played and keeps your interest levels maintained high.
Many similarities can be pin pointed to artists like Iced Earth and Germany’s Paragon, the style of the vocals is in tune with them both whilst musically you get a hybrid of late 90’s traditional power metal made popular in Europe at that time. ‘Angels of Stone’ and the epic ‘Babel’ stand out from the release immediately. Both possess strong group vocals, harmonies and intricate guitar passages. ‘Never Give Up’ has a nice melodic piece in the solo that sounds a bit like a power ballad solo actually at about 3:39 minutes, with the remainder of the track battling forward through the concept of war and historical references. ‘War’ is another hard hitting power metal assault, all of these tunes are delivered with a little more gusto than the general EU power metal tag that could be associated with Drakkar, there’s a touch of progressive metal in the album via some real virtuoso moments and in all honesty, if you were to not look at the album details prior to listening you could be in the realm of the genres big hitters here.
There is one aspect of the album that does however fall flat, for me the vocals have some limitations and perhaps try too hard on songs like ‘Saint Bartholomew’s Night’ as they sound strained, but that’s the only real notable detraction of this release. Drakkar have proved that retro recordings don’t necessarily have to be released to bring a band back from hibernation, there is still a market for this style and when it has an element of strength like many of these tracks possess then it all sounds worthy of your hard earned cash. ‘Once Upon A Time…In Hell’ is a release filled with battle hard arrangements, musical compositions of lyrical substance and enjoyable in more than a few places. I wouldn’t say it’s without its quirks, but it is well played and keeps your interest levels maintained high.
- Enter The Darkness
- Once Upon A Time... In Hell
- Lost
- Angels Of Stone
- Yerushalayim A.D.1096
- Saint Bartholomew's Night
- Jubilation At The King Nimrod's Court
- Babel
- Scream It Loud!
- Never Give Up
- War
- A Destiny That Does Not Heal
- What's Going On?
- Epilogue
Label: http://www.spinalrecords.net
Reviewer: twansibon
Nov 3, 2014
Nov 3, 2014
Next review:
DOOM:VS - Earthless
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