Stormlord – Far - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Italy

Genre : Symphonic Black Metal

Release : 2008

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Stormlord, the Italian purveyors of symphonic black metal, return with “Far,” their seventh full-length offering. This album arrives after a six-year silence, a considerable chasm that has undoubtedly fueled anticipation within their dedicated fanbase. “Far” positions itself not as a radical departure, but as a refinement and expansion of the sonic architecture Stormlord has meticulously constructed over two decades. The band unleashes a torrent of operatic grandeur, blast beats, and melodic sensibilities, weaving a tapestry of myth and fury that aims to immerse the listener in a world of ancient battles and cosmic dread. The production is polished, allowing the intricate layers of keyboards, guitars, and vocals to breathe without sacrificing the inherent brutality of their sound.

Track Analysis:
“The Serpent’s Song” opens the album with a majestic, synth-laden fanfare, immediately establishing the epic scope. A sudden shift to a blistering tempo with tremolo-picked guitars and aggressive drumming propels the track forward, punctuated by Cristiano Borchi’s guttural roars. The vocal harmonies, layered and operatic, provide a stark contrast to the raw aggression, a signature Stormlord dynamic.

“The End of the Pale” showcases a more melodic undercurrent, with cleaner guitar lines weaving through the heavier passages. The keyboards are less overtly symphonic here, contributing more to atmosphere and texture, creating a sense of melancholic grandeur. The track builds to a powerful, anthemic chorus that is both memorable and impactful.

“Far” (the title track) is an expansive journey. It begins with a brooding, almost ambient introduction before erupting into a full-blown symphonic black metal onslaught. The interplay between the soaring orchestral arrangements and the relentless rhythmic foundation is particularly striking. Borchi’s vocal performance here is varied, moving from ferocious screams to more spoken-word passages that add a narrative quality.

“The Call of the Siren” leans heavily into the melodic death metal influence that has always been a subtle thread in Stormlord’s sound. The guitar riffs are more intricate and driving, while the blast beats remain a constant, albeit slightly more restrained, presence. The keyboard melodies are infectious, yet never detract from the song’s inherent aggression.

“The Obsidian Gate” is a darker, more brooding composition. The tempo slows considerably in parts, allowing for a more atmospheric and foreboding mood to settle in. The keyboards are employed to create a sense of unease, with dissonant harmonies and chilling melodies. The track eventually explodes into a furious climax, showcasing the band’s ability to balance brutality with sophisticated arrangement.

“The Rebirth of the Warrior” is an undeniable highlight, a masterclass in symphonic black metal. It features a relentless barrage of blast beats, razor-sharp riffs, and a truly epic orchestral score that elevates the track to near-operatic proportions. Borchi’s vocal delivery is particularly ferocious, and the melodic guitar solos are both technically proficient and emotionally resonant.

“The Sunken City” offers a change of pace, with a more progressive structure and a greater emphasis on atmospheric keyboards. The track ebbs and flows, building tension and releasing it in powerful, cathartic bursts. The vocalizations are more restrained at times, allowing the instrumental passages to take center stage.

“The Last Breath of the World” closes the album with a sense of finality and grandeur. It’s a sprawling, multi-faceted track that revisits many of the themes and sonic elements explored throughout “Far.” The orchestral arrangements are at their most opulent, and the band delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally charged.

Conclusion:
“Far” is a triumphant return for Stormlord, a testament to their enduring vision and their unwavering commitment to crafting intricate, epic symphonic black metal. The album showcases a band that has honed their craft to a razor’s edge, delivering a potent blend of aggression, melody, and grandiose orchestration. While not reinventing the wheel, “Far” represents a significant evolution in Stormlord’s sound, offering a richer, more nuanced listening experience than many of their previous works. It is an album that demands multiple listens to fully appreciate its depth and complexity, rewarding the listener with its meticulous detail and its sheer sonic power.