Album review: Valiant Sentinel – 'Neverealm'

Fast where it needs to be, melodic, epic — because otherwise power metal simply doesn't exist — and above all packed with imagery, the Valiant Sentinel sound is the epitome of power metal. This isn't a collection of songs that merely talk about fantasy; it's a world that unfolds in front of you, with battles, legends and characters, different stories dressed up in the music of Valiant Sentinel.

Outstanding compositions

Right from the start, War In Heaven sets the mood in exactly the right way: a marching feel, strong and dynamic guitars, a majestic choral chorus. The signal has been given, and the battle begins. The title track Neverealm, featuring Laura Guldemond (Burning Witches), is commanding, with ideas that push a speed character to the fore; the song combines theatricality and pure power metal drive.

Mirkwood Forest and Underdark bring different facets of Valiant Sentinel to the fore. The first breaks away from the heavy/power style established so far, down roads leading to epic/doom territory, with the riffs turning heavier and more slow-burning, while the epic and melodic element remains the same and timeless. The second, on the other hand, follows the Blind Guardian school both in the songwriting and in the track's orchestration.

It continues with some very distinctive tracks

The ballads To Mend The Ring and Come What May work as proper breathers, small melodic moments of respite from the beating Valiant Sentinel dish out. With beautiful, melodic and catchy hooks characterising both, the album's ballads have nothing to envy from the intensity and edge of the faster tracks.

The big climax comes with Arch Nemesis and the guest appearance of Zak Stevens (Savatage). This is where the album hits its zenith and shows just how maturely the band have tied their elements together: melody, power, build-up, intensity and one of the most dynamic and infectious choruses on the record.

The finale arrives with The Battle Of Hornburg. It's the closing act of the work, with the album coming full circle and ending just as explosively as it started. With pure, epic, heavy and above all heavy/power riffs, capable of conquering the stage.

In conclusion

Neverealm pulls off something difficult: it's traditional power metal, yet it doesn't sound old-fashioned. It's epic. It's full of references, but it doesn't lean on them to stand up. If their debut put them on the map, this record is the step that gives them a seat at the table. An exceptionally worthwhile domestic release that deserves to be heard.