Review: SKELATOR - Agents Of Power

Metal On Metal Records, 2012
 

And the word became flesh... Jason Conde-Houston finally got it made and, in 2012, presented us with a grand tale of fantasy’s darkest protagonists. The idea itself matured in Jason’s mind for many years, but, as he admits himself, he didn’t really feel up to the task of complementing the lyrics with adequate music. The lyrics were there from an early stage, but the instrumental parts came into being at various stages of the group’s activity. Ten years since the moment when Jason started thinking about writing a musical epic, this great undertaking finally came to fruition. The band, battle-hardened both live and in studio, stronger than ever, and, most importantly, with a finally stable line-up, began the recording of their second full-length album (and the first concept one at that). Apparently time’s ripe for this ambitious, long-cultivated idea to take sonic form - a musical tale about Elric from the series written by Michael Moorcock.

„Agents of Power” contains sixteen songs in total, with the „Elric: The Dragon Prince (A Tale of Tragic Destiny in 12 Parts)” concept comprising tracks 5-16. The first four songs on the album are independent and unrelated to the story. Musically, the title track would fit the concept pretty well - a song that stands out with its galloping rhythmic patterns and high-register vocals - but they have nothing in common lyric-wise. Another standout track is the laid-back, almost rock’n’roll „Rhythm of the Chain”. While we’re at it, I’ll take the opportunity to point at something that came to my mind - in my opinion a big part of the songs clearly draws influence from Helstar, both when in comes to the instrumental parts (the gliding speed metal guitars and passages, tempo changes, slowing down before solos) and the vocals. Manowar influences are also noticeable here and there, as well as some Maiden-esque parts, but they’re definitely not as prominent. Skelator takes us back in time straight to the 80s - the band’s music sounds just about exactly like what you’d expect from metal from that period.

The majestic, proud  „Overture” is a beautiful introduction to the epic, multi-plot suite, in which four musical gems shine the brightest: „Elric: The Dragon Prince”, „Stormbringer and Mournblade”, „The Dark Tower” and „Bane of the Black Sword”. The first one sounds like an anthem. Indeed, the song is majestic, sublime and rich, both when it comes to the music and the vocals. The two songs that follow contain sharper, more aggressive Helstar-esque parts. Besides, „The Dark Tower” has already appeared on an earlier Skelator release, but on this particular album it sounds even better.

The dark, ominous „Bane of the Black Sword”, on the other hand, is something else. In the middle section, an Iced Earth-esque speed-up takes place, followed by an equally Iced Earth-like razor sharp riff. The second part of the song features marching, Helstar-sounding guitars and vocals not unlike those of James Rivera. „Cymoril”, the atmospheric ballad, brings a sense of relief. The acoustic guitar work and the gentle, ethereal vocals make this song a very memorable one. As expected from a good concept album, alongside the fast, running pieces, juicy solos and slow-downs, there is also room for calmer, narrative parts. The sharp fragments form a balanced mixture with the atmospheric ones, the high-register vocals with the middle. No boredom here. Although the songs were written in different periods of time, the band managed to blend them into a coherent, solid whole, making the album a great listen.

It is worth noting that the sound is pretty clear and selective, solid, maybe a little raw, but still really good, full, and, in my opinion, better than that on „Death to All Nations”. This is no doubt the best and most mature offering from Skelator. The musicians have progressed a lot when it comes to both production and songwriting. Once again, „Agents of Power” was recorded by the same line-up that recorded the group’s debut, and the difference between the two albums is very clear. Their second longplay is a great example of a perfectly recorded, balanced and polished chunk of American metal.

The concept itself is based on books by Michael Moorcock. The band’s guitarist, Rob Steinway, describes the story in a few sentences: in itself, it’s about Elric and the development of his personality. At the beginning, he is tired of his people’s lifestyle, despite being their leader. With the longing for change and the weakness his cousin saw in him, the story develops into an epic, and sometimes pretty bloody, voyage. Elric received the Stormbringer and its power, however at the cost of having to devour souls. Elric is undoubtedly the biggest anti-hero any artist has ever conceived. 

For me, this album ranks in the top tier of this year’s metal releases. It is thanks to it that I became a fan of Skelator. I strongly recommend it.

8,5  Tomek/Nevermore