Tune 6: (Alexandria - Egypt): Riverwood - "Shadows and Flames"

 


I continue my trip to the Alexandrian Metal scene, and one of the names that should be discussed is Riverwood. Maybe, I am one of those lucky guys who saw the rising of this band from day one, from "Queen of the Night," and their first album "Fairytale." 

Early this year, the band released their second full length album "Shadows and Flames." The album consists of 13 original songs. 

I remember that I had a chat with the band before, and still remember that the band aim to create a medieval-themed mood, with some epic elements, so you can find lines of orchestration. Also, they blend several folk and oriental tunes in the music. 

Those concepts were beautifully reflected in the previous release, however, the quality of the songs needed to be better which is an issue the band avoided forgetting. The quality of the music whether in terms of recording, mixing, and mastering process, and the performance. 

The opening of the album was so impressive with this epic chorus and tunes, and the mixture between drums, guitars, and war-themed trumpets force your mind and ears to listen thoroughly to the music. 

The music seemed to be deeply influenced with several melodic death voices, but mainly (for me) the presence of Wintersun heavily exists, alongside, classic Orphaned Land influences. Also, some influences of European metal bands that their music carry folk and oriental tendencies are there. 

Through the album, the band set smart and attractive organization for the tracks and the pieces, for example the presence of "The Shadow," which is a short track with heavy oriental songs, in the middle of the album was a good move because the previous one "Blood and Wine" was long, heavy, progressive track, so the presence of a short, slower-tempo one is good for the listener.

The variety of the vocals type between high and low pitches, growling, and whispering, alngside the presence of the chorus enriched the performance of the album.

Moreover, depending on the progressive style helped the band to arrange the musical lines well, and smart.

The presence of various instruments, the good usage of guitars, the mixture of orchestrisations and folk sounds give the listener enjoyment and attraction to be engaged to the music.  

It is really great to have a local equivalent to Wintersun music in our scene. 

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