Album Review: Battle Born – Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel (Prosthetic Records)

Battle Born are set to make their presence felt in 2023 with power metal hymnals of war, dragons and inner courage that take place in the land of Skyrim’s Windhelm, Eastmarch. Following their signing with Los Angeles label Prosthetic Records and UK touring throughout 2022, the Southampton, UK power metal band will release their debut album, Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel, on May 12th, 2023.

It feels like Battle Born have been around for far longer than they have, such is the impression they have made since their inception in 2019. Now, finally, they release their long-awaited debut album and deliver 11 tracks of heart-racing, pulse-pounding, chest-beating, and fist in the air power metal.

Filled to the brim with energetic epic-ness, from the moment the Wind Caller’s frantic rhythm bursts into life, the soul will be feeling enriched. It’s a punchy combination of vigorous riffing, aggressive drumming, soaring vocals, and exciting melodies. One of many anthems on this album.

Speaking of which, Dragon Heart is next, and the synth is an immediate delight to the ears. Battle Born clearly having a bit of fun with this old-school head-banger. Something that comes through across the entire album. Even when they hit such a wicked high level of vocal harmonisation on a track like Blood and Fire. The word ‘epic’ can’t be understated when talking about a track like this.

It’s something a bit different with Power Force as Battle Born add some dubious effects over the vocals in the verses. Something that gives it a much poppier feel and can be best described as quite jarring. The chorus does make up for it by being a bit of a sing-along and there is a good guitar solo.

Before the synth is back with aplomb on the animated When Empires Die, The Endless Grey lets the melody soar, and Fire Storm’s frantic instrumentation heats things back up significantly.

Though, if you’re after something that encourages you to dig out your inner warrior, then Down Your Drinks and Raise Your Swords will deliver. A raucous and rowdy anthem that draws influence from the classic days of power and heavy metal. It will make you well and truly battle ready.

Reaching the latter stage of the album, Battle Born keep the liveliness front and centre with Meridia, before Ride North for Winterhold calls to the Skyrim fans with galloping heaviness, massive sounding melody, and an infectious chorus.

It’s been long-awaited and it hasn’t disappointed, with the cherry on top being Sky Guard You. A finale as epic as anything that came before. Battle Born well and truly living up to their name.

Battle Born – Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel Track Listing:

1. Wind Caller
2. Dragon Heart
3. Blood and Fire
4. Power Force
5. When Empires Die
6. The Endless Grey
7. Fire Storm
8. Down Your Drinks and Raise Your Swords
9. Meridia
10. Ride North for Winterhold
11. Sky Guard You

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