I think then over a decade has passed away since Batttlelore has issued their latest album. If I am correct this one is their 7th full-length after 11 years of waiting. I do recall that I was having something like 3 or 4 interviews with them back during the first decade of 2000. And then they disappeared. I also recall when they have issued their debut records but it was like 20 years ago when I was young. The band is actually coming from Finland and more or less they have based all of their lyrics on Tolkien stories and tales. There’s no question that Summoning are the masters of the style but also Battlelore was always very interesting band, perhaps not the leading one, with naïve moments as well, but still I like their style more than copies of Summoning. At least they’ve tried to be original as much as they could…and that’s perhaps the hardest thing to be…

Their latest issue is very interesting thing. The Return of the Shadow is a cool and calm record with some very slow moments, I am quite sure that its the most mature record that BL has ever made thus far, without doubt… Its very slow one comparing to their previous records but also there are lots of similarities so if you were into their vibe and style I think that you will also love this one without any doubt. The record is very cool and calm placed somewhere between songs like True Dragons and Elven King. My personal favorite is Shadow of the East-found there was Empyrium vibes 🙂 . Anyhow, I think that the has matured though the latest years and the song development has become more vivid and complex with perfect production. This combination of the vocals between male and female always was welcome when it comes to Battleore style. And though out it could sound naïve its still very interesting and positive thing. Better to be original then just a copy-card. Their style could be placed somewhere between melodic and symphonic gothic-folk based on fantasy lyrics with some extreme moments. This sort of music was quite popular back then some 10 or 20 years ago. Its not that they have some back or death metal riffing, but the vocals are more extreme…orchestrations here and there play a bigger role while the guitars are always welcome with some cool leading moments…all in all everything is nicely packed.

The Return of the Shadow is not perhaps the best album ever but the most mature album of Battlelore its surly! I think that I will listen to this album and maybe I will get into it deeper but until that time has come I could only say that I am very glad that they have come back and made their return! And it will be more then welcome to see them live anywhere, it will be a nice thing!

Marko Miranovic (7)