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 Dolmen Gate

“Finis Imperii” (Independent, 2023)

Heavy Metal, as a subgenre, is one I am not very fond of. Although we all – most of us, at least – started with Iron Maiden and similar acts, some of us “evolved” to different layers of the Heavy Metal universe. Nonetheless, and considering the genre lives, a lot, from imagery and fantasy, a figure that always had my admiration is Conan the Barbarian, and Robert E. Howard’s story telling. And here is where the Heavy Metal subgenre upgraded to amazing Epic Heavy Metal, and that, my friends, is a thing of beauty.

Dolmen Gate lives in that layer of this musical universe, alongside epic acts like Cirith Ungol, Manilla Road, Ironsword, and many others. Dolmen Gate came, in a way, to fill the void left by Ravensire, a superb Epic Heavy Metal band from the Portuguese Heavy Metal scene. Well, they have their own thing, so “fill” might not be the correct word. I like that it is not an overly complex release. This is straight forward Epic Heavy Metal, no crazy solos or abrupt (weird, in other words) rhythmic changes, just plain old – and good – Epic Heavy Metal. They have a female vocalist, and I say this without any prejudice, especially when I feel Ana’s vocals are perfect for the band’s sound, giving it a breath of fresh air. All in all, a very good release from very good band. I expect more, and always of immense quality.

Dolmen Gate Official Bandcamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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