On Human Fortress' debut album 'Lord of Earth and Heavens Heir' (2001) review I betted that their second album will be better. Now I've listened to 'Defenders of the Crown' for a few weeks and I can tell you that I was right. While 'Lord...' had a few songs that will be classics, it wasn't thoroughly excellent. While 'Defenders...' is still lacking on some stages, it's a better record.

The most clear thing, that is somewhat lacklustre, is the production. Tommy Newton has many merits under his belt, but the production is the worst thing here. The sound is not powerful and it's also a bit flat. This doesn't kick as much as it should. The band is much more striking, than this production gives out. Every instrument is audible, but mixing is flat. Tom drums sound cardboard boxy and snare is sometimes a bit buried. However, points for keeping it real and rock. I can live with this. Easily.

Musically speaking this is a masterpiece. When compared to more modern sounding debut, this one it feels like the band have returned to the roots of metal yet still retained their individuality. 'Defenders...' is more heavy metal than power/prog metal heard on the debut. Of course there's a lot of power metal and playing is dazzling; while it is catchy, it is also very technical, especially guitars and bass. Drumming is solid, but maybe the production ruins something, making it sound drab compared to other musicians' work. Medieval atmosphere is stronger now. Better synths emulating flute and other instruments and a real violin add folky touches while choir adds epic feel with horns and such. This is constructed and performed masterfully, so this never crosses the line to pompous. The band portrait lyrical themes nicely, very well, indeed and songs vary from epic (e.g. the title song, 'The Valiant') to folky (e.g. 'Siege Tower') and action-filled ones (e.g. 'Knights in Shining Armor' and 'Gladiator of Rome', 'Sacral Fire'). Life in Middle Ages was tough, so here's melancholic element, too. Human Fortress' music is surprisingly hard to depict, but I hear it like a mixture of Iron Maiden, Dio and German power metal.

Vocalist Jioti Parcharidis is a man with a great voice. He might lack some real backbone, but he can show emotions. His vocals are ferocious and that's his real gift as a singer, as is his personal voice. He sings usually in middle register, but doesn't fear higher notes. Lyrics picture life in Middle Ages and before that. No dragons in sight, but real life so this is a good change from fantasy stuff. Honorable knights and legendary Richard the Lionheart, Roman gladiators and a cunning thief star in these songs. Tales of the holy grail, warcraft and even witch hunts are some themes. Cover art is simple. Looking like an old book there's not much to see. It could be so much more, just think of Masterplan's debut album's (2003) artwork.

This is one of the best albums that has come out in this genre this year and it has all the possibilities to become a classic. While being nothing truly new musically, the band sound individual and that matters a lot in these days. This is well crafted music all the way, and that's the second important point. Melodic metal fans, try this now. This is a gem.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
12/17/2003 21:51