Release
Date: 9. Oct. 2025
Format: CD/Digital
Country: Germany
Formed in Bavaria in 2008, Thorondir have carved out their place in the pagan
metal underground with a sound that balances the raw power of blackened riffing
with anthemic folk-inspired melodies. Their debut “Düsterwald” (2009) quickly
earned them recognition among fans of epic and nature-bound metal, followed by “Aus
jenen Tagen” (2011). After a long break, they returned with “Des Wandrers Mär”
(2019), which cemented their reputation as a band capable of storytelling on a
grand scale. With their fourth album “Wächter Des Waldes”, released through Trollzorn Records, Thorondir
continue their journey through forests, legends, and mythological
landscapes, keeping their bond with nature at the heart of their music.
“Wächter
Des Waldes” presents Thorondir at their most
powerful. Across its 55 minutes, the album builds a heavy and melodic sound
that travels the listener through mist-covered woods, ghostly battles, and
tales of hunters and spirits. The guitar work ranges from driving tremolo riffs
to grand, soaring harmonies, supported by dynamic drumming that keeps the music
surging forward. Keyboards and synths enrich the atmosphere, lending the songs
a cinematic touch.
Vocally, Kevin Wienerl moves between harsh growls and commanding screams, perfectly fitting the heroic and myth-laden narratives. Songs like “Blut Und Ruhm” and “Der Wilde Jäger” have a martial edge, while “Zur Alten Taverne” is more festive, echoing the drinking songs of medieval halls. The band’s ability to weave aggression and melody keeps the album engaging, with each track painting its own vivid picture.
The album’s mix creates a solid wall of sound, balancing heaviness with clarity. The result is an album powerful and immersive, with enough variation to keep the listener invested throughout its length. The cover artwork by Jan Yrlund adds to the experience, capturing the sense of mystery and timelessness that defines Thorondir’s music. Overall, “Wächter Des Waldes” is a strong release from a band that has grown into its own identity within the pagan metal scene. It is an album that will satisfy their fans and attract new listeners into its epic journey through folklore and nature.
Score: 8.3
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