Sunday, April 6, 2014

HOLY SHIRE / Midgard (2014)

Holy Shire is a new bee in the melodic symphonic metal scene. The band was formed in 2009 and since then Holy Shire performed many shows in their home country. They, also, recorded a 6-track EP demo and developed a very unique sound with the addition of a flute and two female singers to the line-up.

Nowadays and with a new record deal with Bakerteam Records, Holy Shire are going to release their debut full length album "Midgard". All of the songs here are inspired by the greatest fantasy literature, including ‘A Game Of Thrones’ and ‘Lord Of The Rings’.

Let me start this review by saying that this is an amazing album all the way! Beautiful melodies, harmonies, a literature feeling in all over the album, superb vocal performances, a guitar work that leaves you a sweet taste and most of all well-written songs in this really inspired record. The album starts off with the first highlight, the up-tempo 'modern' symphonic gem of "Bewitched(My Words Are Power)". This track is exactly of what I mentioned above; melodic as it gets with a fantastic guitar work, beautiful vocal lines and solid arrangements.  "Winter Is Coming" is yet another brilliant tune out of Holy Shire's debut. It has a 'darker' vibe in it, a more melancholic mood but it's awesome with a killer guitar line! "Gift Of Death" features a heavier approach with the flute parts to give the extra flavor while in "Beyond" we have another winner!!! What a track, the slow tempos are mixed perfectly with some heavier parts, the symphonic vocal lines are magical, the harmonies are sensational and generally everything here is just brilliant!!

I will close my review in the same way as I started it above; "....this is an amazing album all the way; beautiful melodies, magical harmonies, a literature/symphonic feeling in all over the album, superb vocal performances, a superb guitar work that leaves you a sweet taste and most of all well-written songs in this really inspired record....". Really, this is an album that you MUST to check it out by any cost!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 9/10

Track Listing :
  1. Bewitched (My Words Are Power)
  2. Winter Is Coming
  3. Gift Of Death
  4. Overlord Of Fire
  5. Holy Shire
  6. The Revenge Of The Shadow
  7. Beyond
  8. Holy War
  9. Midgard
  10. Greensleeves (Digipack Bonus Track)





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