I have expressed many times my appreciation and admiration for the unstoppable machine of producing music that goes by the name Tuomas Saukkonen. Wolfheart, the group he formed when he decided to disband everything he had up to that point (although he recently brought back Before The Dawn and Dawn Of Solace), already reached six full-length albums before even turning ten years on the scene as they were founded in 2013!
“King Of The North”, with a title that refers directly to Game Of Thrones, continues the streak of high-quality releases from Wolfheart. Melodic death metal of the Finnish school, sometimes at up-tempo speeds with monstrous riffs and devastating drumming from the beast Joonas Kauppinen and sometimes in mid-tempo moments that bring out a more epic character with the melodies having that characteristic melancholy that we find in so many bands from the land of a thousand lakes.
Another feature is the keyboards and symphonic elements which I believe are here stronger than ever and have been arranged for the third record overall by Saku Moilanen (Red Moon Architect, ex-Aeonian Sorrow). This does not mean that “King Of The North” can be characterized as symphonic metal, but it is a powerful extra feature that, when used, brings out a very interesting atmosphere in the songs.
Also, it is impossible not to mention the clean vocals that have been added to the band’s music for good here. More melodic from bassist Lauri Silvonen, more aggressive from the giant Vagelis Karzis (Full House Brew Crew, ex-Rotting Christ) and in one case from guest Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage, Times Of Grace). It is worth noting that in one song we also hear the growls of Karl Sanders of the mighty Nile.
In conclusion, “King Of The North” is a first-class melodic death metal release. Without changing their style and without copying themselves, Wolfheart remain among the top bands you can hear in this style. If you’re a fan of that particular sound and for some strange reason you haven’t listened to them yet, here’s your chance to do so.
