Multi-universe adventurers WARLOCK A.D. are due to release their latest tale. It is titled Book II: The Valley of Vâgené, and it tells the story of Whiteacre the Nomad, who was previously Whiteacre the Warlock after being stripped of his powers following the intense battle with Bôl-Saïx the Decimato. This tale takes place in an alternative universe from everything he once knew.
The tale kicks off with opening track A Strange New World. Two words I will use to describe this track: organised chaos. Whiteacre has found himself in this, well, strange new world – and the inquisitive musical arrangements and curious lyrics do well to put this across. There is also a sense of fear and uncertainty within this song as Whiteacre is separated from his brothers. It also showed me the development of the band’s sound and production.
I will be honest: it took me a little while to get on board with WARLOCK A.D.’s sound. I could tell they were talented musicians and had fun while performing these songs. I did, however, find the melodies messy and hard to get into. My conclusion before was that the sound had potential to develop. This upcoming book makes me feel glad to have stuck around.
The single releases The Valley of Vâgené, The Golden Showers of Prestonia, Rothgar Warsong, and Ancient Dragon of Storms Flüffir Mighty Guardian of Valley (Techno Wyrmhole) were great teasers to let listeners know what to expect. Each of these songs had their own fun way of telling stories, and the rest of the album has some brilliant ones that do the same thing.
Among my personal highlights of the album is Nanum Imperium. If BROTHERS OF METAL and TURISAS wrote a track for a boss battle in a video game, it would sound like this. From the vocal stylings that remind me of Battle Metal to the retro techno melodies that wouldn’t be out of place in a Sonic the Hedgehog game, this track gives you that boost you have been looking for.
The Sacred Spears of Brittanni is a wonderful mesh of organised chaos. It’s one that keeps you on your toes and ensures that you are paying close attention. This track reminds me of the scene in Labyrinth when Sarah confronts Jareth the Goblin King, especially when it sounds like Sir Didymus is providing narration at the start of the track. It’s a mix of prog, black, and power metal. Sir Didymus then somehow turns into KING DIAMOND towards the end. It’s one of those tracks where you are wondering what on earth is going on, but you want to stay and discover what happens next. Don’t take my word for it: listen to the album and find out for yourself.
Closing track The Rising Flames of the Eternal Golden Empire Rise is one that will definitely appease power and progressive metal fans alike. It’s a great ending to the story that marks the end of the chapter, whilst leaving the possibility of another story to be created. A metal opera can easily be made from this track, or this could be only one chapter.
As mentioned before, I am glad I stuck around to find out more about how WARLOCK A.D. could develop and grow their sound. This album proves that this is very much the case. I already look forward to what they can bring forth next.
Rating: 7/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Book II: The Valley of Vâgené will be released tomorrow via Rockshot Records.
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