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Elvenking - Red Silent Tides Review

by Matt Hensch

.
Ah yes, Elvenking. Perhaps you consider them unfairly bashed, or maybe the least noteworthy power metal band ever, who only found fame through vapidly wailing their generic cry around with a violin, of all instruments; both are common opinions, and seemingly justified. Elvenking have experienced the uncovered events of a long-running band, circumventing through promise and complexion, to infamy and humiliation, and finally accomplishing a sense of rejuvenation with "Two Tragedy Poets," which really did provide new energy in an otherwise dire situation. "Red Silent Tides," although certainly not in the same league as Elvenking's acoustic album, reignites the group's zesty power metal approach, albeit with a side of expected girth, yet nothing worth a tantrum. As I guy that really despised Elvenking's nosedive into tediousness, I must say they've really risen back to a level that respects their roots and survival instincts. To be magnanimous is to be blessed, I suppose.

Elvenking's direction this time around essentially targets memory-heavy power metal, basically exploiting the characteristics often associated with said-identity. Fast, chunky riffs, rapid percussion, atmospheric keys, a huge focus on choruses and catchiness, plus a sturdy production job; all of it wrapped up and ready to ship. "Red Silent Dawn," though, is consistent and fun, finally portraying the bloodline this band was supposed to have: there is no love for metalcore, nor the high-school angst that plagued "The Scythe," so mail Odin your alms and let the party begin! The musicality isn't significant by a sniper rifle's blast, but it is very catchy and listenable. Vocalist Damnagoras shows no signs of morphing outside his very fine voice, which again, makes for a dependable affair once all is scribed in the runes.

More importantly, "Red Silent Tides" has some transcendental material within the album's niche, mainly because the metallic element finally earns a much-needed presence that most of Elvenking's declining works lacked. "Runereader," for instance, seemingly comes out of nowhere with speedy riffs, addictive turns, and a monstrous double-bass bridge submerged in keys that simply becomes wondrously epic as all hell; it's easily one of the record's prime cuts. "Your Heroes Are Dead" likewise serves a course in electric riffs typically found in fast power metal, yet configured brilliantly in Elvenking's animated verses with a dashing chorus tagged on its tail that never runs on empty. Sure these are just two tracks, but I'll be cursed into eternity if both aren't some of the greatest creations produced under Elvenking's crest.

Surprisingly though, the folk factor - one could say the only unitary item in Elvenking's music - quietly dismounts itself as the group's primary act of magnetism, instead allowing the band to focus on riffs and basic power metal without the urgency to throw in a violin just because violins are folk, which makes Elvenking folk, hurr hurr. "Red Silent Tides" simply appears more relaxed and to the point; no need to apply massive productions or ideas just because, thankfully. Occasionally there are daft tracks which transform Elvenking's yummy mountain of cheese into overblown filler, but that's to be expected, and considering the massive turnaround "Red Silent Tides" represents, I'd say it's a blessing they only screwed up two tracks or so.

I guess the tone I'm writing with sounds like I'm totally shocked this album doesn't completely self-destruct, but that's not true; this band has always shown potential and seem to have finally uncovered their golden deposit despite harsh times in the past. "Red Silent Dawn" serves a virtuous testament to one of existence's often-ignored chapters, in case you missed it before: redemption happens, man. While definitely not a masterpiece in any placement, Elvenking thankfully evolved into a respectable faction capable of churning out cheesy (but good!) power metal, and maybe a poignant gem from time to time. Either way, Elvenking gets a high-five from this dude for their good work here.


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Elvenking - Red Silent Tides

Rating:8.0

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