Knightfall – ‘Destiny Calling’

Welcome to ‘Destiny Calling’, stunning debut album, from Knightfall; sensational new symphonic power metal/80’s fusion band.

Delivering epic metal, on a scale comparable only with the best of the genre, such as influences, Nightwish, Delain and Battle Beast; Knightfall bring their own spin on those sounds, whilst paying homage to the originators.

Co-mingling fantasy and historical aspects, ‘DC’ offers everything from anthemic hooks, to war cries and solemnity, right through to energised grooves.

A star-packed line-up of global talent illuminates the central communal thrust of Knightfall, played out in every track.

Out now, in digital and physical formats.

Children Of Time – Opening with a few mechanical clanks, before yielding, to a heavy symphonic refrain. Speed/power metal riffs follow. Feminine vocals move between operatic and metallic, delivering fantasy folklore lyrics. Very strong performance, featuring magical effects, alongside metal orchestral accompaniments. Great collective effort, with a brief masculine roar, at the end.

War Cries – Steady, but powerful choral intro. Cymbal shimmers precede tribal warrior drum beats. Intriguing narratives. Sharper vocals interweave with smoother ones. Fuller male and female choirs unite, from the bridge, before that perfectly held lead vocal tone. A big drum presence builds a stronger atmosphere, with the chanting lyrics. All very cohesive, ending on a lead solo, with backing chants fading into the background.

Remember My Name – Delicate keys open, in a spiralling pitter-patter pattern. Into an active vocal, with notable cinematic vibes. Very melodic sounds. Male vocals joining the female leads, adding to the power. Very fantasy-style lyrics. Sustaining the melody well. Equal vocal balance. Ending on a final riff and some warrior chants.

The Hero Walks Alone – A powerful drum beat opens, with the lead vocals. Into a mid-paced rhythm. Again, the masculine and feminine elements play equal parts. Beautifully projected operatic segments. Strong epic flavours permeate this track. Adding some blackened roars, for good measure. Good strong drum outro).

Waiting For You – Poignant keys and riffage intro, with a powerful anthemic sound; heavily ingrained, by those drum hits. A very cinematic theme, along with huge 80’s melodies. Male vocals take the lead, here and they’re just as immense and massively melodic. This just screams passion and sincerity and it’s possibly the stand-out track. The vocals just soar, all the way and there’s something very Rocky-esque about this track. That sleekly executed riffage seals it.

Destiny Calling – Synths intro, joined by orchestral accompaniments and crashing drum beats. An effective combo of vocal layers, featuring a very decent call and response. As before, it lends those varied styles, so skilfully. Rising higher and swooping lower, with consummate ease. Closing on a final vocal peak and drum roll.

The Musketeer – Explosive intro! Right into a curious, but extremely workable combo of pop-rock and heavy symphonics. Again, those magnificent male vocals lead and once more, there’s a huge 80’s atmosphere screaming through this melody. A backing choir just strengthens it, further. Ending on a blast of drums.

Raise Your Fist – Straight into a strong fantasy cinematic vibe. Not a second wasted. Such passion’s thrown into those vocals. Once again, that combo of leads, backing choirs and epic instrumentals creates a massively dramatic effect. The title alone lends it a real anthemic concept, only boosted, by the sound. Racing to a screaming halt.

Starfall – Opening on a more poignant, but no less affecting tone. Into its stride, with that chasing sonic rhythm. Such power in those vocals and so much melodic might. Just a huge sound and impact. The light, but noticeable vocal layering works a treat. Hitting those heights, with absolute perfection. Brilliant ending riff and vocal union.

Farewell – Slightly sombre intro, with a notably melancholic tone. Still skilfully handled. Just a change of mood. Beautifully performed and those heightened pitches are so impressively tackled. A spoken word section arrives, just before the bridge. Yielding, to an instrumental section, before vocals return. Delightful melodies, lifting the mood, accompanied by equally epic riffs. The spoken narrative returns, just before the end, giving way, to a final sung vocal and gentle piano tinkle. Exquisite.

Invincible – Hugely dramatic intro! That just crashes over you. Here resides an evocative blend of darkness and light. It’s more sonically metallic and symphonic, but certainly still as affective. Loaded with melody and meaningful lyrics, once again. Fabulous scream and fade-out.

Starfall (Single Version) – Opening on deeper tones, while still exhibiting the same warmth. Heavy drum hits take it on to the next section. Those vocals continue to impress, with their stamina and symphonic skill. Really melodic, again and it shares that cinematic atmosphere, shared by the other tracks. There’s a really catchy hook to this, solidified by the fast-paced riffage. Taking it to a perfect end.

Overall – An idyllic album, with stacks of appeal, ‘Destiny Calling’ boasts a lot of exceptional skill and feel for the genre. Sharing so much with the most renowned epic bands in the symphonic arena, it’s near impossible to tell them apart. Featuring a host of incredible talents, ‘DC’ is an essential listen, for 2024.

10/10 **********

For fans of Epica, Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation, Nightwish, Evanescence, Aonia, Midnattsol, Glitzy Glow, Delain, Sonata Arctica.