Human Fortress – Reign Of Gold
Album Review By Rainer Kerber
The history of Human Fortress dates back to 1999. One year later they won a battle hosted by Rock Hard magazine with the song “The Dragon’s Lair”. A little later followed the album debut “Lord Of Earth And Heaven´s Heir”. Typical for small bands, there were also various line-up changes at Human Fortress. Nevertheless, the band from Hanover was able to release four other highly regarded albums. Meanwhile under contract with the Hamburg label AFM, album number six was released in early December. With “Reign Of Gold” the people of Lower Saxony want to perform live again next year and play several concerts or festivals.
After the epic intro “Imminence” the people of Lower Saxony really get going with “Thunder”. A storm of power metal rages above the listener. Here too a lot of epic, a lot of melody, but also powerful guitar playing and a drummer who literally whips his colleagues forward. In addition, extensive guitar solos. A great metal anthem to kick off. And the title song “Reign Of Gold” is in no way inferior to that. The Brazilian Gus Monsanto sounds his exceptional voice again. “Lucifer’s Waltz” is a little more relaxed. The keyboards are also a bit more important here. For me, this mid-tempo hymn is one of the best songs on the album. And Human Fortress is always good for a surprise. “Bullet Of Betrayal” has a strong folk rock edge. Ballads are also not neglected on the latest album. The power ballad “Shining Light” invites you to dream. At first, the vocals are accompanied only by synth strings and e-piano, before later guitars, bass and drums also provide heavyness. Would you like contrast? With “The Blacksmith” contemplation is over. The song tends towards melodic speed metal. Then “Martial Valor” starts again folkloric. But only briefly. In fact, another metal anthem can be heard here. After another high-speed metal (“Legion Of The Damned”) the album ends with the epic anthem “Victory”, another album highlight.
The metal year 2019 ends with another bang. After three years, Hanoverians from Human Fortress made an impressive return. On “Reign Of Gold” one hymn chases the next. In addition, a wonderful ballad. With this release, the band should actually be able to establish themselves in the top league of power metal. The author naturally hopes for a live performance. Because there is no question that this material is predestined for the concert stages!
Photo: Tom “Row” Jäschke
Human Fortress – Legion Of The Damned (2019) (Official Lyric Video): https://youtu.be/zBZ_FGly69o
Lineup:
Gus Monsanto – Vocals
Todd Wolf – Guitar
Volker Trost – Guitar
Dirk Liehm – Keyboards
André Hort – Bass
Apostolos Zaios – Drums
Label: AFM Records
Out: December 06th, 2019
Playing time: 45:38
Track list:
- Imminence
- Thunder
- Reign Of Gold
- Lucifer’s Waltz
- Bullet Of Betrayal
- Shining Light
- Surrender
- The Blacksmith
- Martial Valor
- Legion Of The Damned
- Victory
Rating : 9/10
MHF Magazine/Rainer Kerber
