out June 26: Battle Born

Listen to two songs from the June 26th, 2020 five-song, self-titled EP by Battle Born, a metal-lyrics-singing power metal band from the United Kingdom. A long time go Manowar had an album called Hail to England, and this band has answered that ancient call that celebrated, "We're the kings of metal comin' to town/When we light up have the roof nailed down/Don't try to tell us that we're too loud/Cause there ain't no way that we'll ever turn down." Battle Born like totally agrees for sure, and by the way, Battle Born does have a song called "Man of War," so there you go, the circle is way complete, totally.

"The UK’s power metal scene may be small but its fans are fiercely dedicated - and with good reason. There are quite the number of bands carrying the mantle since Power Quest lay down the gauntlet nearly twenty years ago (Control the Storm, Dakesis, Pythia to name a few). Next in line for the throne are Battle Born, who are proud to announce their Skyrim-inspired self-titled début EP, though they are far from new to metal.

The group are unabashed in their intentions - euphoric anthems that get their hooks from first moment, and yet also have the staying power to withstand repeat battering of the replay button. They only have five songs to leave an impression, but each brings its own flavor and identity. The quintet all play their part - for instance, Jack Reynolds’ theatrical vocals are captivating, whether in falsettos and heavy metal screams or duetting on beautiful lighters-in-the-air ballads to make Dreamtale proud.

Their music is firmly on the European side of the power metal spectrum, and influences from Finland, Sweden, Germany, and their homeland (no, not Skyrim) all do battle. The two opening salvos feature thundering guitar work rollicking with keyboard stabs à la Twilight Force and Battle Beast, letting the world know a new hero is born, while dragon-fighting stomper “Man of War” could comfortably have lived on 80s hard rock radio alongside Judas Priest. Rounding out on a powerful finale, “Sovngarde Awaits” brings home every element atop pounding drumwork as the musicians ride towards the Hall of Valor - ending on a cinematic note as they finally ascend with one last chorus.

Battle Born have crafted a faultless opening serve to power metal, and the UK metal scene at large. Carried by the spirit of the Nords, it is only a matter of time before the warriors will reach even greater heights and slay even bigger foes."

Battle Born by Battle Born