Dragonland

 Today in 2011 Dragonland released the album Under the Grey Banner

Gothenburg, Sweden Symphonic Power Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 1999-present

First off, the name -- could a band called Dragonland play anything other than Euro power metal? Of course not. Europe (specifically, in this case, Sweden) surely has no shortage of power metal bands, each one seemingly more accomplished than the next, and such is the case with Dragonland. Reviewed here is Astronomy, their 2006 album and fourth since forming in 1999. This is a classic example of a melodic, epic, grandiose power metal album -- neither the super-happy Germanic style, nor the overly symphonic style a la Rhapsody Of Fire, but somewhere in between. The vocals are typically clear and melodic, the production crisp and clean, the arrangements neat and tidy, as it seems is always the case with these kind of bands. On the plus side, there is a bit of variance between songs -- it's all power metal, to be sure, but at least every song doesn't sound like the next, with more traditional metal influences and even the occasional rough edge (harsh guest vocals on "Antimatter", for example). As is the case with many similar bands, Dragonland isn't going to win over non-believers, but their fan base is set and these guys know what to do to satisfy those fans. On that level, Astronomy delivers.

AFM Records

Jesse Lindskog Guitars

Jonas Heidgert Vocals

Olof Mörck Guitars (lead), Violin

Elias Holmlid Keyboards

Anders Hammer Bass

Morten Løwe Sørensen Drums

Guest/Session

Anna Mariann Lundberg Vocals (additional)

Olof Mörck Keyboards (additional) (tracks 2, 7)

Fred Johanson Vocals (additional)

Jake E Vocals (additional)

Elize Ryd Vocals (additional)

Andreas Solveström Vocals (additional)

1. Ilmarion 03:18 instrumental

2. Shadow of the Mithril Mountains 05:44

3. The Tempest 04:13

4. A Thousand Towers White 04:07

5. Fire and Brimstone 04:31

6. The Black Mare 06:13

7. Lady of Goldenwood 04:16

8. Dûrnir's Forge 04:58

9. The Trials of Mount Farnor 05:26

10. Throne of Bones 01:47 Instrumental

11. Under the Grey Banner 08:04

12. Ivory Shores 03:18 Instrumental

55:55

The third and final part of the trilogy "Dragonland Chronicles".

Cast:

Jonas Heidgert as: Ilmarion the Islander

Anna Mariann Lundberg as: Duviel the Elf Queen

Fred Johansson as: The King of Westmar

Elize Ryd as: Sariel the Elf Princess

Andy Solveström as: Gargoth the Orcish Lord

Elias Holmlid as: Grimmdane Skullcleaver and Dwarven Council

Recording information:

Recorded from September 2009 to August 2011 at The Mithril Mountain Studios, Skullcleaver Studios and Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark.