Rock Queen Reviews
Rating: 9/10
Original source
Released independently, in conjunction with Heathen Tribes Records, on April 20th, 2019, ‘Kingdom Of Mine’ is the debut 6 track EP Album from Blutfeld, an epic melo-death band, from the dark forests of Sweden.
Formed in 2015, Blutfeld is actually a 2 piece, with other additional musicians, making guest appearances.
Lyrics and cover art by Daniel T. It was recorded and mixed at Goatman Studios, from 2016-2018 and mastered by Karkmastering.
‘KOM’ is available digitally, with a limited edition digipak CD TBA.
Fanfare – (Instrumental) – Quite an epic, orchestral sound introing. Imagine a heavier Turisas. You’re there. Very melodic, with a marked twang to the guitar riffs and fading out carefully, on the same. Impressive start.
Natural Born Leader – Good heavy opening, moving straight into a classically death roar, surrounded with upbeat melody. Not many can pull that combo off. Tuneful female vocals join the fray, accompanied by some fairly Celtic sounding riffs. Well employed paradiddles there and a great chasing pace fits well, at the end. A definite fantasy angle’s involved and it works.
New Dawn – Battle hardened drum intro, with melodies interwoven into the gaps in beats. Strategically paced, the rhythm speaks for itself here. Especially with the darker, quieter sounds interspersing it. This track builds momentum and plays well with rhythm and pacing. The mood heightens, till the brief, definitive drum hit ending. There’s a kind of wonder and mystique inherent within it.
Ritual – A mysterious echoic drum beat intro’s, as if from under water. Again, the Celtic edge comes into play, combining with a theatrical flavour, of aural battle and drama. An instrumental number, infused with a dark, brooding atmosphere. Very focused on the beating drum presence, it haunts and evokes imagination.
Victory Or Defeat – Another strong traditional Celtic vibe opens, getting right into its stride, with a fast, catchy pace. The story seems to unfold, in front of you. Broken up by the sounds of the crowd and the horses, it still maintains the mood and momentum. Cleverly placed riffage keeps things upbeat and memorable, towards the end. Very listenable.
Kingdom Of Mine – Easy flow to this intro, making good use of feminine vocal qualities, then bringing in the masculine growls, in a perfect match. A strong, sensual beat embodies this, through the narrative, as equally sensuous riffs bleed into it, skilfully. A slow, gradual, seductive fade-out closes.
Overall – Considering this is a debut EP Album, it packs a lot of very advanced, impressive skills and features into its brief length. Carrying off that level of ability, through epic, dramatic melo-death, with so much melody and tradition bound up within it shows a rare feel for the sound and its delivery. ‘KOM’ stands out, as one of the most enjoyably melodic melo-death productions I’ve ever heard. Fresh, inspiring and imaginative.
Metal Mundus
Rating: 8/10
Original source
Translated into English
I was inspired to choose this particular album by the type of music performed by the band. They called it epic death metal, so I was curious how they would manage to combine these two styles into one whole. Of course we already have bands that have done a lot in this genre, but why not give new, young ones a chance? Why not listen to the youth trying to create something new?
It seems to me that the Swedish musicians emerged victorious from this attempt. Perhaps because they preferred epicness over death, which we will not hear in excess on this album, not to say that only some elements of this style appear from time to time in BLUTFELD’s music . Because most of the album are film-theatrical, epic compositions, extremely influencing the imagination. The band definitely put the atmosphere over metal, mysterious rather than dark atmosphere over hard metal music. The Swedish duo likes pathos and anthemnicity, which we will experience in the opening number of “Fanfare” (the title itself already indicates it), but also in another instrumental piece “Ritual”, or in one of the cooler, faster pieces, namely in “Victory” Or Defeat ”.
The whole album is great, but its quintessence is the title track closing it, extensive, beautiful, great in terms of arrangement, containing everything that the group has in its possession. There is the aforementioned hymnicity, there are elements of folk, there is a heavy male vocal (Daniel T recites rather than sings) supported by female vocals, there is power, there is an atmosphere. It’s epic up to the armpits!
It is clear that one of the masters of young musicians is the irreplaceable Quarton, you can feel the spirit of Bathory in it. If they work hard, who knows, maybe they will be one of the next groups that will try to fill the gap left by their great countryman.
The fans of classic death metal can let go of this album, lovers of epicness should reach for it as much as possible, because this album is very good to listen to. I believe that the duo has potential, they have an idea for themselves, they have the ability to create interesting compositions, combined with a rich imagination and technical skills. It has something that can help you stay in the metal scene for longer. The question is, will it be able to take advantage of it? I wish them good luck.
Metal1on1
Rating: “Enjoyable, full of energy, interesting, fresh & beauteous ”
Original source
Sin I – Guitar/Bass: The listener is welcome to an instrumental epic melodic/harmonic, crisp, clean riffage opening, with a combination of Folkish/progressive metal solos, crisp/pure heavy metal & melodic death metal riffage
Sin II – Vocals: Daniel T vocals are the essences of low deep growls, that are reminiscent of Johan Hegg of Amon Amarth
Sin III – Drums: A mixture of slow epic (battle cry/drums of war) drum beats and occasional blast-beats and drum beats of melodic death metal.
Sin IV – Overall: When you hear the term Epic, you think of bands like Bathory and Italian classic heavy metal band Doomswood, but when it comes to Blutfeld, the group combines the grand scale of Epic and death metal making this EP just breathtakingly and spectacularly.
Clocking over twenty minutes of just six epic songs, and not just giving the listening death metal, but elements of (that will capture of listeners ears and attention) epic clean riffs of heavy metal/melodic death riffs and sound, Amon Amarth vocals, Bathory/Amon Amarth battle sound efforts/another sound efforts (a burial, myth & magic, synths, flutes, marching army, etc.) mid-pace to slow (epic) music, along with an epic tale of a King and his battle for Kingdom!
This Ep will make you stop in your tracks and stop what you are doing, grabbing your attention to how much detail, craftsmanship, and effort have gone to make this majestic, epic, and awe-inspiring EP that foretells the Valkyrie Songs of Epic Tales of Triumph, War/Battles, & Death.
Sin V – Artwork: The artwork is interesting; a figure of a raven is showing (to come and consume the bodies of the dead or one of Odin’s raven’s?), in the dark/fiery landscape (appears been a mighty battle)
Sin VI – Outstanding: The whole EP that is iconic in its own way, enjoyable, full of energy, interesting, fresh & beauteous.
Sin VII – Dislike: None
Rubber Axe Zine
Rating: …
Original source
Well, after a little unplanned break, which took longer than I’d like, Rubber Axe is back and what’s better than to jump into the action with some nice review, right?
And for that we have Blutfeld’s new EP – “Kingdom of Mine”. So what’s in there for you? Glad you’ve asked.
It’s a debut EP for this Swedish duo, which consists of Daniel T (vocals and keyboards) and Lord Flabriel (guitar and bass) and contains 6 tracks. Oh, and not to forget the guest musicians – Jonas Hoffman on drums and guest singers Sampantha Kempster and Hada Pixie.
The opening sounds belong to the intro „Fanfare“. From the get go I‘d assume we’re gonna deal with some symphonic metal stuff or maybe Dungeon Synth, although the guitar, which nicely (and I mean it, I like the riffing) interwines through the notes excludes the latter one (or at least in the pure DS point of view). But the guitar has caught my attention, therefore thumb up so far, boys and girls.
But the second track “Natural Born Leader” affirms its position in the melodic black/death genre with evident nods to Viking and epic stuff and it’s definitely not unwelcome here in my corner. Although the music is simple enough and I’d say it kinda betrays we’re not dealing with a full band here (the drum work especially), I’m in a mood for such music and added bonus in Samantha Kempster’s beautiful voice makes it even better. And again, guitar work works for me (the beauty of the main riff, although I’d hesitate to call it original, in his simplicity is just, well, beautiful).
Third cut here is the “New Dawn”, an interesting song, more of an invocation, as it comprises of broken segments with Daniel’s reciting the lyrics, but in the last minute we’re again in the musical realm (although I wouldn’t be mad if that final segment lasts longer) and melody reigns supreme. Not cheesy and not overdone, but definitely weird of sorts.
“Ritual” is another instrumental song (a collaboration between Daniel and Mikael Tjernberg) and yeah, epic/viking/DS is present in this one very very firmly. I love these genres, so obviously, I can revel in the atmosphere. And I am not afraid to say I’m gonna re-play it again. Cos’ I want, you know?
And the “Victory or Defeat” is another surprise. A pleasant one. Although melodically Blutfeld be lost side to side to Northsong or Ensiferum, the part of it sounds pretty rockish (the part after the “Victory or Defeat” proclamation). Fuck yeah, that what I like, I think this one is definitely the highlight of this nice little EP. And just to confirm we’re still in epic genre, that nice interlude with horses, sword clashing and the start of the final part, that’s pure orgasm for my ears. I love the inspirational music, and although I’m not gonna buy a sword and horned helmet (not yet), the dramatic element of the song definitely works for me. Haven’t I forgotten to mention something? Oh yeah – again, kudos to Lord Fabriel’s guitar.
Last song here is “Kingdom of Mine”, the longest track here, and Hada Pixie has come to help Blutfeld guys to deliver a fitting finish. Good thing is the change of drums, although I certainly wouldn’t complain about the percussions used before, proper drumkit sound is a welcome enrichment. The midtempo track sounds like an companion track to the final battle – you know, the thoughts, the memories…all this put together with nice melody and guitar solos I can’t praise enough (OK, I know I’d sound like an idiot, but what I like, I will praise. End of.)
All in all, if you like melodic metal of black/death/epic/viking variety, Blutfeld could be up your valley. It might not be the most original album of all times, but the time spent with it will certainly be not spent in vain. I, for one, am quite interested what these Scandinavians could come up with next.
Metal Noise
Rating: 7.5/10
Original source
Somethings happen at a lightning pace. Somethings happen at a glacial pace. Recorded and mixed at Goatman Studios over a two year period between 2016-2018, “Kingdom of Mine” is the sort of labour of love that a lot of bands debut EP ends up becoming. It’s a Death Metal vision that sees the duo that is Blutfeld (Daniel Tjernberg on vocals and keyboards, and Lord Flabriel handling the guitar and bass duties) joined by studio drummer Jonas Hoffman and a pair of guest vocalists. Hailing from from the darkest and dread forests of Sweden, the band are keen to make their mark.
Opening Instrumental “Fanfare” brings to mind Dueling Knights with a regal quality and loose open drumming around a Progressive Folk style riff that sets a tone by catching you off guard as it’s the last thing you’d expect – especially as the opening tune. It makes way for “Natural Born Leader” which featuring guest vocals from Samantha Kempster and sees Daniel Tjernberg provide a Blackened Death Metal growl which is in stark contrast to the clean and epic female melodic harmony. There is a classic rock inspired Progressive Metal solo that adds a moment of magic to a majestic tale. “New Dawn” has a buried synth layer that is so low in the mix it nuances out on repeated listens and only appears in the gaps between the pause break guitar, bass and drums. A song that comes at you in waves, it showcases some of the bands musicianship by keeping things taught throughout while still giving the vocals a chance to breathe. There is a hint at classic Metallica at the start of a building solo that gives the song an epic feel.
The second instrumental affair “Ritual” is a slow epic plod through the Knights Realm with Progressive Keyboards echoing flutes and a dark slow drum pattern that follows the beat of an Army walking through the wilderness. An eerie affair and a film soundscape, it continues the flow of the EP nicely with some classical touches that continue the build and sets the tone for “Victory or Defeat”. A tale of Warriors standing up to be counted and covered with some really impressive guitar solo work, it brings to mind the likes of Sabaton and their Battle Metal in terms of the lyrical content but musically coming from a much darker place. Title track “Kingdom of Mine” features the second guest vocal appearance of the EP and comes from Hada Pixie. Tjernberg uses a spoken word growl over some epic synths while Flabriel provides a sequence of classic Metal guitar parts that are surprisingly uplifting in the context of the dark vocals. There is no chugging here, this is all thin gauge riffs that have a far more technical background.
Musipedia of Metal
Rating: 7/10
Original source
Blutfeld’s Kingdom Of Mine EP does a solid job blending a bludgeoning death metal sound with melodic, nearly power metal-sounding instrumentals. One track with particularly successful results is Natural Born Leader, which features guest vocals from Samantha Kempster. New Dawn isn’t a fast tune, but maintains the band’s heavy sound, and Victory Or Defeat is perhaps the EP’s best track, conjuring images of battle and triumph. A couple of instrumental tracks appear on the EP too, being intro Fanfare and the ambient Ritual. The title track is the epic closer, and with only four songs, this feels like a small but defining taste of what is to come from Blutfeld.
Uber Rock
Rating: “/…/ great starting block for Blutfeld”
Original source
Hailing from Sweden, death metal outfit Blutfeld began in 2015 as the brainchild of Daniel T and Lord Flabriel. The former handles the vocals and keyboard work while the latter takes charge of guitar and bass. After spending time fleshing out their vision for a combined sound, the pair set about writing and recruiting additional musicians for the purpose of recording. The result is debut EP ‘Kingdom of Mine’, six tracks of epic death metal and looking to make a statement. Will the EP provide a short, sharp punch to showcase what Blutfeld are capable of?
Opening with the appropriately titled ‘Fanfare’, the listener is introduced to a grand sweeping soundscape. Layers of trumpet samples build upon a steady drumbeat. As the brief track progresses, Flabriel’s guitar work comes to the fore. Layers of lead work are added into the mix, thickening out the texture without overloading the sound. It’s an introduction which highlights the individual talents of the main musicians in terms of creativity and musicianship. ‘Natural Born Leader’ kicks off the metal vibe proper. Heavily distorted chords and tremolo picked lead lines form the main introduction before the frantic paced drumming joins in. Additional musician Jonas Hoffman is responsible for the percussion and links in well with both Daniel T and Flabriel. The relentless power of the music is highlighted by both the crushing guitars and pounding drums. Throughout the punishing heavy sound there is a strong melodic undercurrent that lifts the vibe to a more epic level. The mix of the track adds a doom like element overlaying the main soundscape. However, there’s no muddying of the mix and each instrument is identifiable in its own right. With additional vocals from Samantha Kempster, the vocal lines are not only thickened in texture, but the harmonies accentuate the darker atmosphere.
‘New Dawn’ continues with the epic death metal vibe. Mixing in elements of the previous track and also the introductory ‘Fanfare’. The staccato nature of the music for the majority of the track offers more sonic interest for the listener as the stop start cadences draw the listener into the soundscape being created. The instrumentation combined with the trumpet samples offers a thick texture that further highlights the epic side of Blutfeld’s sound. As the track progresses the staccato style morphs into a more free flowing guitar driven metal track. Chugging basslines mix with a driving riff while the pounding drums drive the tempo to the outro and final cadence. ‘Ritual’ opens up the latter part of the EP with a sense of foreboding created by its layered samples. The track moves between phrases and passages without developing into a full metal vibe. It serves to develop a darkened theme drawing the listener into the atmosphere of the music.
‘Victory or Defeat’ lifts the mood from the dark atmosphere of ‘Ritual’. A track with a Viking metal edge to it. ‘Victory or Defeat’ features some of the cleaner vocal and guitar melody lines found on the EP. The bass and drums lock together to drive the song forward while the guitar work provides not only catchy lead hooks but memorable riffs too. After a brief break of sound effects featuring sword fighting and charging horses a highly charged guitar solo kicks in. This solo takes the track towards its final phase, mixing in elements of traditional metal with their death metal style for the outro. With the use of a different elements and a slight blending of metal styles, ‘Victory or Defeat’ makes for a standout moment on the EP.https://www.youtube.com/embed/KqSeX6q53hQ?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque
The title track sees the record to a close. Once again, the band mix in a more straightforward, traditional metal, approach to the musical delivery. The track builds in both energy and dynamics rather than being an all-out ferocious attack. With additional vocals from Hada Pixie adding spoken word elements at both the introduction and breakdown section, there’s extra sonic interest created as it boosts the guttural delivery of Daniel T. Once more the guitar work of Flabriel stands out clearly as his lead lines take charge of the melody hooks and his powerful riffs combine with the drums. With a final nod to ‘Fanfare’ the track and EP come to a well rounded close.
Over the course of six tracks, Blutfeld have delivered a solid introduction to their brand of death metal. With the use of samples and pads as well as the well structured and crafted music, there is an undeniable epic edge to their sound. As there is only two main people within the band, the use of additional musicians was inevitable. However, it does not detract from the fact that this is a unified vision and they’ve clearly found a drummer who shares their vision as well as additional vocalists that work well with what has been created. It’s an EP that flows together with each of the six tracks pulling elements from the previous track and mixing into a unified sound. This creates a concept feel to the music, however, individual tracks like ‘New Dawn’, ‘Victory or Defeat’ and the title track stand up well on their own. Where some may draw criticism is with the atmospheric tracks such as the opener and ‘Ritual’. Some may be put off by the perceived lack of progression with the latter track and that it may stagnate. With that being said, it is a piece of a larger picture, forming a soundscape that leads into the latter part of the EP and serving to create an encompassing mood when the record is listened to as a whole rather than in part. ‘Kingdom of Mine’ represents a great starting block for Blutfeld and it will be interesting to see where the creative partnership of Daniel T and Lord Flabriel goes to next.