Once upon a time, to be precise, in the year of our Lord 2017, Carlos Escudero, in an interview we did said that Vhäldemar is: “a warrior who gives us the  force and the power of the heavy metal, he guides us in this world of shadows…”. That warrior gives the force and the power to the band since 1999 throughout seven albums. Although their evolution started almost three decades ago, the band had some changes in their sound but they did not go far from the essence. They have always been powerful, and they are one of the rare bands for whom I can say that almost every song sounds like a heavy metal anthem. If the band has that approach to the music, to glorify heavy metal, then it shows how much they are dedicated and which role this music has in their lives.

“Devil’s Child” opens the album. After not the first listening, but after the first few accords, old metalheads will feel nostalgia. If you grew up listening to Running Wild, Manowar or Gamma Ray and you have never heard about Vhäldemar before, now is the time to explore their discography because they have a lot to offer. First of all, as I already wrote, each song sounds like a heavy metal anthem. Second, they perfectly mix power, speed and heavy metal. Carlo’s singing style reminds a lot of Chris Boltendahl, so fans of Grave Digger may pay attention to this band too. The song itself is fast and aggressive, imbued with melody.

With “Dreambreaker”, Vhäldemar are speeding up. Drums are pounding, guitars are shredding… What else could you wish for? I must note that choirs are playing a big role on this album and spicing songs additionally. Also, guitars and keyboards are very well incorporated, the band does not cross the line ang goes into the kitsch direction which some bands often do. “Deathwalker” has a creepy intro, it would fit perfectly into some horror movie, piano part is an excellent choice until you hear the guitars and drums which will take away the shader and the fear. This is the song with a bit heavier sound in which guitar solos stand out.

Title song “Sanctuary Of Death” goes unobtrusive in the direction of Gamma Ray. Background vocals increase the pleasure of listening to this, now I can freely say, mature peace of art. Again, keyboards are involved, but with precision and without intention to irritate listeners who are not fans of this instrument.

“Forevermore” is another slow pace song with a mystic intro. Somehow, the beginning reminds me a bit of Sonata Arctica work, but no matter which influence you can recognize in each song of Vhäldemar, you can never say they plagiarize. The leading emotion in this poem is sadness.

My personal favorite, not on this album, but in global, just because I am weak on metal hymns is “Heavy Metal”. Send me to heaven! Metal is forever! 

When it comes to Vhäldemar’s discography, you do not have to remember the album titles at all. On each album, the band has the song “Old King’s Visions”. This time, the band offers the seventh sequel, so, seventh album in 25 years, it is about the time the world discovers this Spanish band which is definitely neglected by fans all over the globe.

“Journey to the Unknown” is another hymn, a bit more lively than “Heavy Metal” but definitely made for the shows. The essence of heavy metal is hidden in the words of this song. Vhäaldemar can freely stand face to face, arm to arm, muscle to musle with Manowar when it comes to lyrics, at least if we are focused on this song.

“Brothers” pleasantly surprises with vocal interpretation which they irresistibly pull the song in the direction of Firewind. “The Rebel’s Song” once more delivers astonishing guitar solos, great melody and nostalgic sound. At the end, another surprise. “The Last Flame” is the perfect outro where the gentle sound of the piano intertwines with the powerful drumming and with a masterful guitar solo section. This is the highlight of the albumin my personal opinion.

Listening to Vhäldemar you get the impression that all songs are written particularly for the shows. Everything about the band screams: HEAVY METAL! Lyrics (kings, warriors, zombies…), monumental sound, loudness, hooks and twists, album covers…

In the end, is there any need to philosophize at all? Raise the flag of heavy metal and listen to Vhäldemar!