Lothlöryen – Principles Of A Past Tomorrow – Album Review

Source// bravewords.com

Formed in 2002, Brazilian band Lothlöryen are an interesting inter-breeding of Folk, Prog and Thrash Metal; a sort of Jethro Tull meets Metallica meets Bellowhead alongside some strong Children Of Bodom and Behemoth influences.

The name Lothlöryen refers to the forest realm of the Elves in Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings and their brand of fantasy-based, myths and legends Folk Metal fits in remarkably well with the titans of Folk Metal; those bands from the Nordic regions that exemplify the genre such as Finntroll and Ensiferum. Lothlöryen do stand out from the pack though with occasional flourishes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Genesis and Pink Floyd getting a look in alongside the sultry speech of Stephen Hawking(!) on 3 of the albums 12 tracks; admittedly that’s the only downside.

Daniel Felipe has a great vocal range, which suits this genre well, and with Leko Soares (Guitar), Tim Allen Wagner (Guitar), Leonardo and Marcello Godde (Keyboard and Bass) providing very well produced and calculated musicianship it’s left to some great transition drumming from Marcello Benelli to complete the package and create an album that’s well worth a listen….even if Folk Metal often feels like Devil Horns with elderflowers on!

It’s always great to hear bands trying to push boundaries and Lothlöryen do it successfully. Principles Of A Past Tomorrow is clean down the middle and apart from acquiring a little too much of their influences sound on occasion – Kamelot also being one, so no real complaints here – this is one album that demands repeat spins and definitely won’t be relegated to the USB of Doom!  8/10