Album Review: Grimgotts – The Time of the Wolfrider (Elevate Records)

London symphonic power metal band Grimgotts have chronicled epic battles between men and dragons on the high seas across several well-received albums already. Lions of the Sea (2017), Dragons of the Ages (2019), Tales, Sagas & Legends (2021), and now, the band’s fourth album, the concept record ‘The Time of the Wolfrider’, out on September 27th, 2024, via Elevate Records.

This album chronicles an epic hero’s journey, battling witches and werewolves in the mythical land of Andria.

Grimgotts are calling, it’s The Time of the Wolfrider, and things are about to get heavy. Heavier than usual for the band, but fear not, their anthemic power metal ways are still ever-present. This just happens to be a developed Grimgotts who have clearly learned a lot over the past few years, perfecting their style of symphonic melody, power-infused metal, and story-telling. Able to go big on a whim, but also able to scale it back when necessary.

We’re going on an adventure. A fantastical adventure that promises wonderous sights and sounds, but an adventure that is heavily fraught with danger too. Grimgotts are calling and the scene is set with the impressive opener, An Amber Dawn. Where powerful narration leads to a battle-hardy blast of bombast. Heavy on symphonic glory but with vigorous energy, heavy bursts of harsh vocals, and a chorus that is a Grimgotts special – stupidly catchy.

They’re here and with a level of pomp not heard to this extent in any previous release. Delivering even more grand sounds that add buoyancy to the soul with the chest-thumping fun of The Rise of the Wolfrider and hitting a new level of immense story-telling with Darkwood. A track that comes in three parts; I. The Voyage – II. The Sea Serpent – II. The Great Oaks, and proves unequivocally that Grimgotts have reached a higher plateau when it comes to song-writing. This track is up there as one of the strongest examples of their modern musical capabilities and a visionary example of the two eras of Grimgotts, old and new, coming together.

A tough track to follow and there is no doubt its epic soundscape will still be wrapped around most minds as Ancient Voices (Hear them Calling) kicks in. Thankfully this is a unique listen that quickly takes hold. Featuring a guest vocalist (Noah Simmons) who takes centre stage with a commanding voice that fits the Grimgotts style perfectly.

Then along comes Return to the Sea, which many may think is a Grimgotts’ sea-shanty but will actually find IS a grand and cinematic sounding epic. If you need any more proof showing just how far this band has come, it’s here. It, like what came before and what comes after, such as Wings of Wonder, proves to be acutely anthemic and those continued blasts of heavier and energised moments keep things sounding fresh.

While this heavier style is well worth mentioning and championing, let it not be forgotten that at its core, this album and the tale it tells is still well and truly rooted in power. Swallowed by Darkness is as traditional as you’re going to get with its singalong elements. Before along comes the glorious Grimgotts spectacle that is Riding to Destiny. Sure, it’s power metal, but it’s power metal at its most infectious and this new track is up there with the catchiest stuff they’ve done to date. It will have you dreaming of mounting up, grabbing the reins, and charging towards the unknown.

Destiny has called and the Black Banners have been unfurled. It’s time to face it with an elaborate Grimgotts theme as the backdrop. This track is a twisting and turning piece of music that has imaginative peaks and valleys, changing the chorus-driven formula up for something more encompassing. It’s a cleverly positioned piece as it refreshes the palette to some degree, ready for an explosive finale that is Grimgotts through and through.

Heart-racing, filled with immense vitality, gorgeously melodic, super-cinematic sounding, and of course, epic beyond belief. It, Lord of the Battle, is a magnificent ending to Grimgotts magnum opus. The step-up in quality is stunning here, and every development within this band has only enhanced their abilities more. This is the record that puts them on power metal map once and for all.

Grimgotts – The Time of the Wolfrider Track Listing:

1. An Amber Dawn
2. The Rise of the Wolfrider
3. Darkwood (I. The Voyage – II. The Sea Serpent – II. The Great Oaks)
4. Ancient Voices (Hear them Calling)
5. Return to the Sea
6. Wings of Wonder
7. Swallowed by Darkness
8. Riding to Destiny
9. Black Banners
10. Lord of the Battle

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