Album Review: Krilloan - Return Of The Heralds

Eternal champions of power metal return with the follow-up to their highly successful debut album Emperor Rising with yet more fast melodic tunes with new album Return Of The Heralds.

The band's opening track, 'Atlantean Sword' was also their choice of first single. It is a tribute to not only the character of Conan but also the remarkable impact of the movie Conan the Barbarian. This is followed by a plethora of solos and fist-pumping vocals on 'King of the Iron Hill.'

‌Laden with prominent basslines and battle-charging drum patterns is 'Blood & Fire (Born on A Battlefield)' and already feels like a perfect festival track.

Moving into 'Hammer of Wrath' is where the album settles into its groove which is then followed by pure showmanship, grandeur and gallops galore on 'Avenging Son.' Film Score worthy composition 'The Oathpact' not only serves as a great interlude but a great introduction to the speed of the album's narrative title track 'Return Of The Heralds.'

Providing a dynamic shift and tone is the acoustic 'The Kingkillers Tale' which also contains an abundance of folk soundscapes that enrich the delivery, this is then complimented with a full-on charge from 'We Burn.' The album concludes with the well-crafted 'Beyond The Gates' which demonstrates the clear focus that underpins the entire release.

Overall the album is flooded with influence and catchy hooks, and the inclusion of artists such as Johan Haraldsson & Johan Karlsson (Evermore), Jack Reynolds & Tom O´Dell (Battle Born) and Magnus Holmström only strengthen the overall structure .                                                                       ‌

Rating: 7/10‌‌
Released By: Scarlet Records ‌‌
Release Date: September 20th 2024‌‌
FFO: Judas Priest, Blind Guardian, HammerFall, Helloween, Lost Horizon, Evertale

Track List

1. Atlantean Sword
2. Kings Of The Iron Hill
3. Blood & Fire (Born On A Battlefield)
4. Hammer Of Wrath
5. Avenging Son
6. The Oathpact
7. Return Of The Heralds
8. The Kingkillers Tale
9. We Burn
10. Beyond The Gates