Warthur
Smoulder further refine their excellent Epic Doom/US Power Metal/Heavy Metal blend on this second album, in which Sarah Ann's valkyrie vocals deliver high fantasy lyrics against a blistering instrumental backing. Michael Moorcock even pops in to provide a touch of narration on one track, making the band join an elite circle of bands to not merely draw inspiration from Moorcock's seminal 1960s and 1970s sword and sorcery works but also benefit from his creative contributions (others in the club including Hawkwind and Blue Oyster Cult). They richly merit it too, with an engaging, energetic sound which can't help but get your blood pumping. If you have any tolerance for cheesy fun in your metal at all, give this a try.
