Customer Reviews

Legends From Now & Nevermore

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the debut from Galloglass, a German power metal band that sounds like, well, a German power metal band -- with the significant qualifier that they're a lot better than average, and also they add a few Rhapsody-esque touches here and there, mainly in the intros and outros to individual tunes. In those places in particular, this album is flat-out great. This band oozes talent and can only get better. The only reason I give them four stars instead of five is because about half of this album is just too generic-sounding to my ears; but the other half is so strong that this is an automatic must-buy if you like fairly speedy, keyboard-backed Euro-power-metal. And who doesn't?

Galloglass, being a melodic power metal band, are in a very crowded genre of music, were fingers point between fans in conversations like the following: "this band copies this band," and "this band is sounds like this band.", or "this vocalist sounds like and copies this vocalist."

I've never been one for comparing bands to each other (I still don't see how people think Tobias Sammet sounds Like Burce Dickinson of Iron Maiden...), but after listening to this CD constantly ever since my friend bought it, I can safely say without a doubt in my head, this isn't a carbon copy, cut and paste of something you heard before.

As for the performance by the band itself, I feel as though nothing could make it sound better than it already does with the mad guitar playing (ex. Dragons Revenge), the soothing and totally awesome violin (ex. Legend From Now and Forevermore). Add to the mix a great vocalist, crazy drumming, and top-notch production, you know you have a winner.

So what would I compare this to, despite the fact I don't care for comparisons? I have read many reviews saying that it's like a stripped down version of Rhapsody without the mass orchestration, with more of a power/speed metal foundation... and I can see where they could make this relation. I also tend to think of Dream Evil's Dragon Slayer (another great CD) when listening to this, in terms of the point behind the lyrics.

So do not delay, if you consider yourself any kind of a metal fan, you owe it to yourself to take a listen to Galloglass, you won't be disappointed...

Hmmm, I wonder when their next CD comes out...

4.5 stars is probably nearer the mark.The first track Dragons Revenge sounds Rhapsodyish then other influences come to bear giving a medieval tinge to a lot of tracks.I think the use of the violin helps to create this atmosphere.It's not an albumn entirely full of the usual galloping into the epic fantasy world
power metal(although i gorge heartily on all that cheese as well)and may appeal to the mainstream somewhat.Sometimes i hear something of Iron Maiden-Piece Of Mind in this CD.All in all a very good albumn.

Galloglass, what a surprise. Another german power metal band that shows once again germany rules metal. These guys are fantastic. The vocals are incredible and will not dissapoint annyone. The thing I like most about this band is the little touches they produce. For example, the first song(dragons revenge) has a operatic intro that is very nicely put with the song. And the second song(ancient times) as a violin piece that is very well put together and fits perfectly with the song. Little touches like these gives these guys an epic fell. You can't ignore however, that guitarists coming desolation and progeria are going to be great, and they are. The guitars are fast and play incredibls solo's and compose fantastic riffs. All in all this band is best catogarized as melodic epic power metal. A must have for any metal cd collection. If you like bands like rhapsody, helloween, and dragonforce, you will fall in love with these guys

First, Galloglass have created a superb metal sound. They are eerily identical to Gamma Ray. I mean the vocals sound almost identical to Kai Hansen. The lyrics of Galloglass is where I find their only flaw. I mean how much more Dungeons and Dragons stories do we possibly need? Even Gamma Ray delivers us into the political arena at times. Of course, if one lives for the Lord of the Rings in their lyrical tastes then to each is own.
Now, I admire the speed and clarity of Galloglass' guitar solos! The drums are so crisp and clear. I mean I can hear the snare, crash, and ride so precisely and the base lines just hold down the fort, or castle (in this case) perfectly. I am recommending Galloglass to many of my friends. After all I love Gamma Ray, so a further extension of Gamma Ray cannot hurt. If Galloglass ever breaks away from its fantasy lyrics then I cannot see why I would not rank them a perfect 5. Galloglass is a great buy, you will not regret it.

I had Not heard of GalloGlass before and When I stumbled across this CD Legends From Now and Nevermore, I was amazed. All the songs are great. The one thing that makes this cd interesting is the use of the violin. At first it threw me off, but when I heard it I thought it added a nice touch. Overall this is a great power metal album.

In the vein of Helloween, Gamma Ray and countless other European power metal bands, German act Galloglass is not breaking new ground. But despite this, the group's debut album, "Legends from Now and Nevermore," still manages to stick out among other double-bass-infused mania.

The songs are up-tempo, the vocal register is high and lyrics center on dragons and battles as per the genre, but Galloglass' trump card and distinguishing feature is the violin, played by Hartmut Richter on the album. And while many insist there is no place for violins, keyboards, etc. in true metal, I've always enjoyed this more than the traditional rock approach. It makes the music more interesting and developed.

And Galloglass delivers in that aspect. The violin winds in and out of several songs and is never too intrusive, but is used enough to validate its inclusion rather than coming off as a gimmick. Richter plays off Norbert Geiseler's and Kai Muhlenbruch's classic NWOBHM-esque solos like a third guitar, as each musician picks up where the other left off. Picture adding a violin to Iron Maiden's presentation with Dave Murray and Adrian Smith and you have a good idea of the Galloglass formula.

The album kicks off with a subtle spoken passage in "Dragons Revenge" before exploding forth with crunchy riffs and a high-pitched wail from singer Carsten Frank. It's a good indication of the solo-heavy attack that is to come.

Frank holds his own as well, sounding a bit like Fabio Lione from Rhapsody of Fire. The vocals aren't as high as most in the field, which is a good thing here. Galloglass next serves up "Ancient Times," one the of album's standout tracks. This is mostly due to Muhlenbruch's ability to get the most out of a slow and heartfelt solo during the bridge. Midway through is the title track, a heavier rocker that intros with punctuated notes and follows with a catchy chorus and backing vocals.

Other highlights include "The Conjuring" and "The Quest." The former changes rhythms throughout the song, while the latter sounds like an acoustic folk tune from the Middle Ages. In all "Legends from Now and Nevermore" is a very good album, above-average power metal that will appeal to those who already enjoy this music. The drumming doesn't stand out for the most part, relying too heavily on simple double-bass 16th notes. But it's still a quality release, and makes me excited about what the band will do in the future (which hopefully includes a tour in the Unites States).

I had never really heard of this band before but if you like your power metal along the lines of Primal Fear and Judas Priest then this is for you.
Competent musicians and a strong singer - recommended for fans of 'true metal'

Well, these days power metal is being given a bad name with endless crap bands bringing out cds. Of course there are amazing power metal albums still being released... Dream Evil, Hammerfall, Freedom Call, Sinner, Rhapsody.... And Galloglass!!

These guys have really suprised me. A lot of the bands on the Limb music label are UTTER RUBBISH. Ok, Rhapsody was on there and they are incredible, Adagio were on there too. There are a few other good bands but most are poor 20th rate helloween ripoffs.

Anyway, Galloglass have released a great album with really melodic and well written songs. I like the singer, he has a nice tone to his voice. The production is good, although the guitars could be a bit meatier I guess.

The best song on this album is easily the first one, Dragons Revenge which is one of my favourite ever power metal songs. It's so catchy. The rest of the album is also excellent.
The music is a cross between Rhapsody and Helloween. But ultimately sound like neither.

If you are a fan of power definately pick this album up.

The first time I hear Dragons Revenge it's so cool(from limb music promo album of course!!). The vocal performance of Carsten and fantastic duo guitarist Kai n' Norbert also bassist Dirk and great drumerring by Arnd, their music soundlike old german speed metal a la HELLOWEEN(with Kai) or BLIND GUARDIAN in early years with the combination of flute, violin n' others classic instruments make combined power metal with classical middle-age influence.Certainly one of Germany's best young talents band, you won't regret it!!!!