Ravenhead

Though To The End was my first exposure to Germany's Orden Ogan, this album has risen to the top of the ranks of their discography for me, and for many reasons. But before delving into the specific songs and aspects which have brought it to such prominence, let's first discuss the general atmosphere and production of this work. If I had to put a word to it, it would be "modern." The sound on this record is in your face, a processed album, some might say, but I think that the way the sound is really pushed out of the speakers benefits this style of power metal, and the songwriting/riff choices present.

Another cool aspect of this album is the fact that in addition to the strong lead vocalist, it features the talents of two of power metals bigger names on two tracks. Joacim Cans of HammerFall fame can be heard on "Sorrow Is Your Tale," and Chris Boltendahl from Grave Digger lends his signature snarl to "Here At the End of the World." As for the main vocals heard on this album, they lie in the middle of the two extremes set by the guests, and certainly aren't of the typical shrill variety found in the majority of power metal.

The guitars on this album are pretty thunderous for power metal standards as well, down tuned and crunchy for lack of better descriptors. The guitar's tone is thick, and aided by the bass immensely. In fact, the bass is pretty audible and carries the low end of the record exceptionally. As far as instrumentals go, the only complaint I could level is that at certain times there's so much going on that I can't help but wonder how thin it would sound live with limited personnel. Even with that said, it's quite a signature sound within power metal and if you've already acquired a taste for Orden Ogan, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the production and mixing here.

And the songs themselves? I found the majority of the cuts here to be stellar, with the ballad being one of the few power metal ballads I wouldn't skip. The worst track here is certainly "Evil Lies In Every Man." The chorus is meh and the flow between segments it a bit awkward. The mid segment that almost deliberately interferes with the energy of the song doesn't help it's case at all. Thankfully, this low point is more than balanced out by memorable and beautiful songs and segments throughout the rest of the work.

There are some downright ferocious segments on this record, with riffs that really bend the mold one comes to expect within the realm of power metal. Orden Ogan are simply not content to do straight tremolo picking on their verses like so many other bands in the genre do. "Deaf Among the Blind" is a great example of this songwriting. The intro riff is chaotic, full of life and the way it was written transitions into some pretty heavy parts later on the track.

This album is a strong candidate for my personal favorite Orden Ogan album, and though the album has myriad highlights, there's one song which almost singlehandedly slingshots it to it's level of eminence. That would be the track entitled "The Lake." Where to begin on this track... First off, the riffage is heavy and rhythmic. Secondly, the chorus is godly as far as I'm concerned (it will get stuck in your head), and lastly the lyrics are amazing. I'm always a fan of songs which are musically catchy yet also manage to tell a tale, and this song fits those criteria perfectly. I can't say enough about this song, so I'll end it there.

I still can't decide which album is Orden Ogan's crowning work, but this one's certainly in the running. From the opening instrumental "Orden Ogan" to the trailing melancholic notes of "Too Soon," the album is a well put together record, with enough character to be considered unique among a sea of helium huffing dragon slayers. Give it a spin, and take a trip to the haunted swamps of Ravenhead.