Gloryhammer - Return To The Kingdom of Fife (2023)

As one of the most fun and over the top Symphonic Power Metal, Gloryhammer is finally back with the highly entertaining and equally solid release “Return to The Kingdom of Fife”. This release has plenty of lol’s alongside very well crafted and executed songs that will appeal to fans of bands like Sabaton and Powerwolf, but with a less serious and more playful edge.

Setting a regal mood with the album intro, the listener is quickly treated to the playfulness of the keyboards of “Holy Flaming Hammer of Unholy Cosmic Frost”. The only newcomer in the band is Sozos Michael is a very talented vocalist, as we can hear in songs like the epic “Imperium Dundaxia” or the playful “Wasteland Warrior Hoots Patrol”.

Mastermind Christopher Bowes, showcases his keyboard chops in a more technically inclined light, particularly in songs like the crazy “Fife Eternal” and our favorite “Sword Lord of the Goblin Horde”. As you can read the names of the songs, the names of the band members, and all lyrics are just totally wild and worth paying attention to if you have some sense of humor. If you don’t, then just listen to this release for the musical and melodic aspects that make the band one of the best in the genre.

“Return To The Kingdom of Fife”, is a release that is highly recommended for fans of great music and that have tolerance for the ridiculous. Musically, this album is up to snuff with any of the genre’s great, and quite livelier and more engaging that most of them. Gloryhammer is one of those bands that polarizes people, but what the haters don’t know is that they are missing out on some excellent music.

Label: Napalm Records

Release: June 2nd, 2023

Genre: Symphonic Power Metal

Country: Scotland