Battlelore’s 2007 album Evernight, is yet another unbridled take on epic power/symphonic metal with a flare for the cheese that would put a lactose intolerant into a coma. However, for Battlelore fans, this is the name of the game, and Evernight delivers as much as ever.

Battlelore is an interesting combination of music for those who have never heard them. They take strong influences from traditional power metal, but there are also huge influences from goth stalwarts Lacuna Coil (especially in the female vocal department) and some very effective male death growls courtesy of Tomi Mykkänen. Overall, Battlelore is a cheese fest, yes, but there is also a dynamic juxtaposition between aggression and sadness in the music. Tomi and female lead Kaisa Jouhki definitely have a good chemistry together that seems to seamlessly drive the background music. Because of the broad range of emotions in this music, this band may surprise some of those individuals who may not normally be too privy to symphonic metal (i.e. viking metal enthusiasts might quite enjoy the Nordic epic vibe). The biggest downside on this album is the lack of variety. Many of the songs have a similar approach to melodies and choruses (clean vocals, harsh vocals, clean vocals), which while not completely detrimental, can sometimes cause the listener to skip tracks.

Evernight is a niche album that will achieve its most success with the ardent power metal fanbase. Battlelore is not poppy enough to be mainstream (esp. in America), and not aggressive enough to be mainstream (weird how that works eh?), but to those who hate soy products, enjoyment and satisfaction will be fulfilled.

GOOD

Top Tracks: Mask of Flies, House of Heroes, The Cloak And the Dagger, Beneath the Waves

Similar Bands: Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Ensiferum

1.    House of Heroes    04:06
2.    Ocean’s Elysium    04:16
3.    Summon the Wolves    04:34
4.    We Are the Legions    03:58
5.    Into the New World    06:32
6.    Longing Horizon    04:35
7.    Mask of Flies    04:51
8.    The Cloak and the Dagger    04:35
9.    Beneath the Waves    05:23

Tomi Mykkänen – Vocals
Kaisa Jouhki – Vocals
Jussi Rautio – Lead Guitar
Jyri Vahvanen – Guitar
Timo Honkanen – Bass
Henri Vahvanen – Drums
Maria – Keyboard, Flute

Napalm Records
www.battlelore.net
www.myspace.com/battleloremusic