IOTUNN — The Wizard Falls (review)

IOTUNN — The Wizard Falls album cover EP · 2016 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"The Wizard Falls" is an EP release by Danish metal act Iotunn. The EP was independently released in February 2016. Iotunn formed in 2015 and "The Wizard Falls" is their first release. The EP features 5 tracks and a total playing time of 25:49 minutes, which gives the listener plenty of time to get acquainted with the band´s music.

Stylistically the material on the EP is a heavy, dark, and relatively hard-edged type of power/progressive metal (listen to the thrashy/melodeath oriented riffs on "Given to Explore"). It´s both melodic and epic, but the heavy riffs and powerful driving drumming keep the music firmly rooted in darker and heavier realms of power/progressive metal. Lead vocalist/bassist Benjamin Jensen has a relatively distinct sounding voice and a powerful delivery (strong clean vocals as well as high pitched screaming vocals). There are loads of passion and bite in his vocal performance. It´s a little surprising that he occasionally (actually very rarely) also sings snarling raw black/death metal type vocals, but the more extreme metal oriented vocals suit the gloomy nature of the music pretty well. The instrumental work is on a high level throughout the album. The drums were mentioned above, but the intricate and skillfully played guitar riffs, harmonies, and leads deserve a mention too. Iotunn may be a relatively new act on the scene, but these guys can play.

The tracks feature recognisable and catchy vers/chorus structures, but also more adventurous excursions and twists, which help "The Wizard Falls" to be an interesting listen from start to finish. "The Wizard Falls" also features a well sounding production, which suits the material perfectly, so upon conclusion this is not just a promising debut release by Iotunn, it´s an incredibly strong high quality release in its own right. It´s an adventurous and genre defying take on power/progressive metal which works really well. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.
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