Kings Winter – Forging The Cataclysm
Album Review By Rainer Kerber
It is the side project of the couple Jule and Tobias Dahs. Both are still active in the German band Leviathan. The duo has named themselves after their hometown Königswinter. While the main band of the two plays progressives Melodic Death Metal, they go in their side project in the direction of Classic Rock / Metal.
„Classic Rock in the style of british legends MAGNUM, Blackmore inspired riffs and a touch of modern Melodic Metal, all combined with a female lead-singer with a distinct rockvoice.”
This can be read in the press info from Kings Winter. After the foundation last year, the first sign of life is now available, the EP “Forging The Cataclysm”. Let’s have a look.
Already at “Time’s Running Out” it can be heard clearly. In their side project, the couple Dahs goes completely different ways than in their main band. The riffing and the hooks are extremely melodic and Jule is a rock belter for kneeling down. A classic hard rock song. The best song for me is “The Grand Delusion”, a great stadium anthem. Singer Jule Dahs is also convincing with this quieter song. The title song “Forging The Cataclysm” bangs out of the speakers again in classic heavy metal sound. The semi-acoustic, instrumental, ballad interplay “At Road’s End” conveys a Blind Guardian feeling. But that’s just the transition to the next Metal smasher “Age Of Reason”, another outstanding mid-tempo song. The bonus track “A Sailor’s Tale” at the end is again a semi-acoustic song. Here, the two poaching again in Blind Guardian and Blackmore’s Night climes. And you can almost fall in love with the voice. Boo hoo!
With “Forging The Cataclysm”, Kings Winter bring a breath of fresh air into the rock and metal landscape. Especially singer Jule Dahs is thriving here. In Leviathan she’s only heard down again and must submit to the growls of singer Jonas Reisenauer. Back to the listed quote. The influence of Ritchie Blackmore can be clearly heard, but not Magnum. What Kings Winter celebrate here is melodic heavy metal with great hymns. But another comparison is literally on my mind – Doro, not because of Jules’ long blond hair. Also vocally I am reminded again and again of the German Metal Queen. I still have one wish. Please do not stand on the status of a pure studio project. For live performances, I would certainly be in the front row.
Kings Winter – Time’s Running Out (Lyrics Video): https://youtu.be/gFQ0yETKi5c
Lineup:
Jule Dahs – Vocals
Tobias Dahs – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Drum Programming
Label: Self distributed
Out: June 22nd, 2019
Playing time: 25:17
Track list:
- Time’s Running Out
- The Grand Delusion
- Forging The Cataclysm
- At Road’s End
- Age Of Reason
- A Sailor’s Tale (Bonustrack)
Rating : 8/10
MHF Magazine/Rainer Kerber
