Battlelore - The Return Of The Shadow (2 CD)

Battlelore's album "The Return Of The Shadow" is a comeback effort from the Finnish band, marking their return after a decade-long hiatus. The album is embedded in the epic symphonic metal genre, drawing heavily from Tolkien's Middle-earth stories for its subject matter. It features a robust sound with chunky riffs and a prominent keyboard layer, creating a consistent tone throughout. The band's use of beauty and the beast vocals adds depth, with Tomi Mykkänen's harsh vocals complementing Kaisa Jouhki's clean vocals effectively. The album's consistency is notable, though it may not surprise listeners with significant variations in sound.

Released in 2022, "The Return Of The Shadow" is a substantial release, comprising two discs. The main album provides a solid foundation for their style, while the additional disc contains older material, offering a slightly different tone. This older material is characterized by a more folk-epic feel, which some listeners appreciate more than the main album. Overall, the album is a welcome return for fans, though it may not convert new listeners to the band's cause due to its straightforward approach to symphonic metal. Despite this, it demonstrates Battlelore's proficiency in crafting epic fantasy-inspired music.