Whilst Danish Heavy/Power Metallers PECTORA have been around a little while, they only came onto my radar in October when I caught them opening up for TAILGUNNER in my local city. Their charismatic and energetic stage presence whilst they performed powerful belters caught and grabbed my attention. Their upcoming album Twilight Knights is a great portfolio of what they can offer up to you and let’s you know why they are ones to watch out for. I had so much to say about each track this gets one of my rare track by track reviews.
Cool, atmospheric opener Celestial Signal makes you stand to attention. If CRYSTAL VIPER and ORDEN OGAN wrote a track in the 80s, this would be it. It’s a great way to start the record.
The transition from Celestial Signal into the bombastic title track is flawless. It could quite easily be a theme tune for a superhero show. There is the right amount of power and might withing this track with a slower part to allow time to reflect.
I listened to Cold Void ahead of the single release and already noticed how much heavier it was after the first two tracks of the album. I wouldn’t be surprised if head bangers and air guitarists are already rejoicing at the pounding riffs and slick solos this track has to offer.
Imagine METALLICA classic Nothing Else Matters and DEEP PURPLE belter Black Night somehow merged together, Victory In Defeat will give you a rough idea on what that will sound like.
Looking for a track that makes you want to headbang and shake your hips at the same time? Cosmic Meance has got you covered. Due to the perfect mix of pounding rhythms and soaring vocals, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have trouble deciding which action to do.
EDGUY come strongly to mind when I listen to Children Of The Atom. This could be down to the fact that Phil Butler could very easily be the vocal love child of Tobias Sammet. I sense mosh pits breaking out to this track.
My first thoughts when I heard Where Everything Begins were is this a sequel to Holy Diver? This is due to the very similar iconic melody and the same powerful vibes it gives off. It doesn’t sound too similar that you couldn’t tell them apart. If this was part of a tale, this would be the part where the protagonist reflects before moving to the next part of the journey. It’s an empowering track that a lot of us will need to hear.
A Race Through The Dark is the final showdown, that’s how the varying action-packed rhythms of the track make it seem like. The bridge bringing that part to mind where all hope looks like is lost and they are about to give up but with the support of their allies, they carry on.
On Forlorn Wings isn’t your average album closer. It is one that requires your undivided attention, there is so much wonder in this track, and you don’t want to miss these. If RAINBOW and KAMELOT had created a track together, this would what it would sound like. I would also like to note that this is the first time in a long time a track has had me blown away at the first listen.
Twilight Knights is a mighty escapade. PECTORA are rising stars for sure, and this album is solid proof. If you like the sound of the single releases and any of the bands mentioned here, give them a spin and join their brigade.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Twilight Knights will be released 5th April 2024.
Find PECTORA on Facebook.
