Of Bards and Madmen

Lothlöryen is a Brazilian folk metal band that mixes shades of melodic power into their sound that gives off an evolved version of Elvenking. I will start off by saying that Lothlöryen's vocalist sings almost identically like Elvenking's famous singer Damnagoras which gives the whole experience of listening to "Of Bards And Madmen" another feel that makes you think you are in an elven village in Middle-Earth or dancing around a campfire with hobbits. Now this isn't an Elvenking clone or anything, but they do have a similar construction in the way they have their music and individual songs. There is much emphasis on the melody and vocals being the primary focus whilst the drumming and guitars take a slight backseat. Don't get me wrong, often there are speedy guitar moments with a nice melodic solo that reminds me more of Elvenking or Korpiklaani. The biggest highlights and strong points of the album are definitely the vocals and guitars; very impressive vocal performance on most songs and the guitars are great and very easily mixing smoothness with faster part - well done.

The individual songs are structured in a way with the typical introduction, "Welcome" which is a nice folksy opening that sets the mood for being very calm and there are some quick chants along with a melodic guitar part. Very nice way to set the album up. The first actual song after the intro is probably the strongest on the album with a catchy chorus and some awesome melody.

The slower songs either kill at first listen or bore you, the first midtempo song 'Moriality' is a great song with nice vocals and even a short solo that once again reminds me of Elvenking. There are nice female vocals incorporated on the ballad "Another Tale" that makes for a beautiful duet; this song is the only true ballad on the album.

To sum up, Lothlöryen has come out of nowhere with their first full-length album that mixes folk metal and melodic power to create a combination of Elvenking and a heavier Cruachan. Of Bards And Madmen displays a unique composition of melody and power that creates the binding atmosphere of being in a far off land such as Middle-Earth. Strongly recommended for fans of folk metal, Elvenking, and melodic bands in general.