Weeping Forest resident RUNEREADER has emerged from his residence once again to bring forth a brand new concoction. It’s titled Pathfinder and, like his other works, there is plenty of curiosity and wonder that will be invoked. Since each track offers something unique, this gets one of my rare track-by-track reviews; there is a lot to talk about.
RUNEREADER wastes no time keeping us on our toes with the opening track In Saltus Magicae; those who have heard the last EP A Frost That Never Thaws will notice the more uplifting tones in this track, especially with the whimsical-sounding intro that wouldn’t be out of place on a folk power metal record. The war cry in one of the bridges brought BROTHERS OF METAL to mind, yet there is an ambience that RUNEREADER has established in his sound. You know within seconds it’s RUNEREADER. To achieve an established sound this early on is an amazing feat.
Imagine a song for Stranger Things written in a Black Metal style; this is the vibe Pathways gives off. Like the TV show, there is an uplifting tone that also contains a hint of uncertainty. When you’re on the path to recovery or learning to manage emotions after a huge life change, this is what it feels like, and RUNEREADER achieves those musical tones very well. This features the talented vocal styles of Claire Williams, and her voice complements RUNEREADER’s vocals very well. I would also like to mention the BLACK SABBATH-style riff in there, which adds to this intricately put-together song.
The Last Time I Drew My Sword is one of the most interesting tracks I have heard in a while. Imagine if OPETH and WINTERSUN worked together to create a track; this would give you a rough idea of what that would sound like. The whimsical tones in this track also give off the vibe that it wouldn’t be out of place in a video game. Listening to the lyrics carefully, it sounds like it’s representing a warrior going through an uncertain time and then coming out on the other side. That’s my interpretation anyway; it will be interesting to hear what others think.
Closer Collecting Wishes is one of the happier RUNEREADER tracks I have heard. There was one point at the beginning where the vocals were a little quiet and the music clouded them, yet now that I think about it, I wonder if that was done deliberately. When you feel more empowered, your voice gets louder, and that’s what I hear in this wonderful closer. Again, that’s my interpretation. On a side note, the soft, clean vocals bring Labyrinth to mind in the verses; there’s a David Bowie type tone in the vocals, and it’s very soothing. AMON AMARTH also strangely comes to mind; it might be due to the word Guardian being growled.
When I was starting to think I had heard it all from RUNEREADER, he surprised me once again with lots of different twists and turns. Pathfinder is further proof that he is not done keeping us intrigued and curious with the eclectic sounds he produces. If you’re even remotely interested in reading my thoughts on this EP, check it out.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Pathfinder will be out this Friday.
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