From the Highest Citadel

This demo opens up with a track called ‘Rhagdraethau’, which is a one and a half minute intro which slowly builds up from a single acoustic guitar playing into a multi-layered track on acoustic, electric and keyboard. This track really helps to set the mood of the demo and ease the listener into a state at which they can truly appreciate what comes next.


The next two tracks appear to be relatively generic folk metal that ranges between Ensiferum and Wintersun. Not to say they are bad tracks, they just don’t break any new boundaries or set the bar of folk metal. The clean vocals seem to be dominant within the tracks, which is no bad thing, and allows the listener to actually hear what story is being told within the song. It’s a shame that the drums are far to quiet in this demo, which means they often cannot be heard over the noise of the guitars and other instruments.


From what I have said so far, the high rating I have given does not seem justified does it? Well, I have given it such a high rating because of the track “Life Beyond Dreams”. This track, and I speak no lie here, has to be one of the best tracks I have heard in my entire life… It’s melodic, haunting and absolutely epic, and every time I listen to it I have to sit down, close my eyes and let the music wash over me.


My only real complaint is that the drums are far too quiet. This band is set for big things.