SIEGFRIED

Formed in 1998, and with three previous full-length albums (if you include 2000's 'Fafnir' demo), Siegfried return with their first release in six years, 'Nibelung'. The band's name is apparently lifted from a legendary dragon-slaying hero in ancient poem 'Nibelungenlied' and, although I've heard of Siegfried previously, 'Nibelung' is actually my first experience of the Austrian septet. Featuring no less than three singers - one female and two male - their music falls under the equivocal banner of 'Epic Metal' (at least according to the promo sleeve), and I'm pleased to report that it's a pleasurable first experience. Recorded by Atrocity mainman and Leaves' Eyes growler, Alex Krull, at Mastersound Studios, the fully resonant production bestows the material with epic weight and a great mix affords every instrument sonic clarity. Guitars, vocals, bass, drums, keyboards, orchestrations, and choirs are all mixed harmoniously into an epically sonic whole. However, we're not just talking an epic sound here, as the skilfully composed material and arrangements also ooze grandiose flair as songs meander between a multitude of pleasing melodic twists and turns. Menacingly dark and melancholic melodies combine with melodically uplifting passages to create an epic metal soundscape over which their fantasy story unfolds. Those who enjoy the epic qualities of Rhapsody of Fire but ultimately find their clichéd stylings somewhat cheesy should most definitely check out Siegfried's 'Nibelung' as they attain that level of 'cinematic' epicness while avoiding the power metal crassness that plagues so much of the Italians' music. In 'Nibelung' Siegfried have managed to create an epic metal masterpiece that is most worthy of your money.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Napalm Records

Album

NIBELUNG

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

43:30

RELEASE DATE:

30th Nov 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Der Ring der Nibelungen
2) Fafnir
3) Die Eisenfaust (Alberich)
4) Die Prophezeihung
5) Brunhild
6) Sachsensturm
7) Totenwacht
8) Der Todesmarsch
9) Die Götterdämmerung

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Austria

"Menacingly dark and melancholic melodies combine with melodically uplifting passages to create an epic metal soundscape over which their fantasy story unfolds."