Funeral Rain Press Corps

Genre: Epic Fantasy Metal
Label: Napalm Records

Finnish fantasy metal pioneers Battlelore return once again to spread their death-infused fantasy metal that seems at times to be based in the gothic metal arena that Napalm Records is famous for.
The album itself is huge in scope, the sound filled to the brim and sometimes overflowing with keyboards and flute with a driving, heavy guitar leading the way.

Kaisa’s vocals are gorgeous and strong, much stronger than many other female vocalists in the genre, even when she’s singing in a softer voice. Tomi’s, however, are just pure strong. His death metal voice is demanding of attention, and he seriously could be in a death metal band by himself if he chose, and I’m sure he’d be really successful.
I think fans of Dimmu Borgir’s majestic offerings would probably like this, same for fans of Eluveitie, Elis, and Draconian.
7 out of 10.

Battlelore on Facebook.

Genres: Gothic Metal
Label: Napalm Records

Right from the start of the disc I was impressed with the huge sound.
The opener “Core of Life” is a fast as lightning track witha a nice and groovy slower midsection, almost doomy in it’s riffs. Vocally, Sandra Schleret is perfectly exemplifying gothic metal, with a mid to high operatic style.
This continues on into “Twinkling Shadow”, whose first riff will rip your face off with it’s chugging, Maiden-esq gallop. Tom Saxer makes his presence known in this track too, his voice a deep growl.
The choruses all follow classic metal and gothic metal traditions, with a solid riff, soaring vocals, and fist pumping emotion.
Slower gothy tunes are here too, bringing everything back to earth for a nice headbanging session.
And I feel like a fucking broken record here. This part is where I might tell you who this band is perfect for. And here, again, I must simply state: if you’re a fan of pretty much any of the female-fronted bands on Napalm Records, you’ll like this disc. Sirenia, Trail of Tears, and Draconian fans: you’ll feel at home here.
8 out of 10.