Within

Wuthering Heights is an eclectic band from Denmark that is not to be underestimated. Playing an unclassifiable blend of folk, progressive and power metal the band offers a new sound for those looking for something that does not sound like anything out there. “Within” is the first offering from this band to the metal world and it’s a worthy one.

Full of great riffs and a plethora of melodies we get a nice and polished sound pleasing to the ears. The guitars are slightly more prominent in the mix but they do not overpower the other instruments at all. The bass is audible and the drums and keys are clearly heard. The folk elements on this disc aren’t as prominent in this one as their later releases but are clearly there. The songs themselves are all unique in what I would describe as a few gems swimming the midst of a couple masterpieces.

The album starts with a ballad of an intro and a similar outro, both of which I usually skip but sometimes listen to just to feel whole. You’ll see most of the songs are quite long but are by no mean endlessly long progressive snooze fests. The longer songs are undeniably the major highlights of the album. Each of those songs starts a certain way and end in a completely different way. The songs are bound by no set guidelines and the passages through each are different from the rest making each song a unique listening experience from beginning to end. The shorter songs aren’t to be overlooked, it’s just the longer ones offer a lot more.

Notable songs on the album are “Too Great Thy Gift” which is the first of the longer songs beginning with a beautiful intro and sets the standard of the other lengthier songs. “Sorrow in Memoriam” is the second of the longer tracks and it is appropriately sprinkled with melancholy. The longest of the songs is “Dreamwalker” clocking in at over thirteen minutes and not one second of disappointment. “Hunter in the Dark” and “The Bird” are the two shorter songs that provide that high energy, catchy power metal elements that complete this album and make it whole.

Did I mention the lyrics? My God, the lyrics are absolutely wonderful. Catchy choruses which hook you and refuse to let go alongside genius passages and memorable lines. Take lines like “Holy are the crazy for they dream with open eyes” or “If I could ride the clouds; if I could crush the hills, would it mend what's growing chill?” as examples. Erik Ravn is an excellent songwriter and storyteller. Yes, although you might not know, this album is part of a trilogy involving a mysterious wanderer. Bands like Rhapsody or Fairyland take these story concepts within music to extremes but Wuthering Heights manages to execute it perfectly.

If you’re simply a metalhead looking for some unique albums to add to your collection seek this one out. There isn’t really a set demographic here since it’s really that unique. Prog fan, power fan, folk fan, whatever. Of course, if you’re not a fan of the more melodious side of metal you should be looking for something else or their newer releases.