EP Review: Grimgotts – Legends (Self Released)

London symphonic power metal band Grimgotts originally formed in 2015 as a Harry Potter parody outfit. However, they have since graduated into their own original fantasy realm: the mythical land of Andria.

Now the latest instalment of Andrian tales is about to come to light. The band will release their new EP ‘Legends’ on December 11th, 2020, the third in a trilogy of EPs. Preceded by Tales and Sagas, the three works will be released together as a full album in 2021.

Let’s do this one last time. The finale of the EP trilogy, a journey that we’ve immensely enjoyed being on. First, we had Tales on May 1st, then we had Sagas on August 14th, now we have Legends to round off the year.

Does it match up to the excellence of what we’ve heard so far?

It’s time to get your Celtic jig on for the raucous energy of The Boys of Boone, Grimgotts plying their trademark bounce and pep to a high degree. The folksy melody is unapologetically catchy.

Land of Tomorrow is a much more frantic slab of heaviness, the wild tussling between instruments unable to distract from the guest vocalist of Chris Simpson of Forlorn Hope who adds even more gravity to Grimgotts fantastical sound. If you’re not feeling ten feet tall upon hearing the chorus, you might need to check your ears for blockages.

A smoother and softer offering, To the Edge of the World (To What Lies Beyond) has all the makings of an epic sea shanty. One that sees the end of the journey on the horizon and wants to mark the moment in style. Sweet but as incontrovertibly catchy as always.

The actual end of the journey is much more bombastic though as Kinsman (after a suitably epic spoken word intro) erupts with power metal glory. A magnificent closer, the liveliness is enhanced by a kick-ass guitar solo by Will Kerr of Battle Born and a thrilling keyboard solo by Marco Garau of Derdian and Magic Opera.

The best release yet? The argument is there. However, no-one will be able to dispute just how classy and fun this EP is. If you’ve not had the chance to hear what Grimgotts are capable of, then this trio of releases are a must. Hell, next year we’ll get them as a complete album!

Grimgotts – Legends Full Track Listing:

1. The Boys of Boone
2. Land of Tomorrow (Feat. Chris Simpson)
3. To the Edge of the World (To What Lies Beyond)
4. Kinsman (Feat. Will Kerr and Marco Garau)

Links

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