Reviews

Death Valley Knights – Call of the Warmaster Volume 1 – Album Review

Written by Kahmel Farahani on October 1, 2024

Words: Kahmel Farahani

Death Valley Knights return with their brand new album “Call of the Warmaster Volume 1” . The London based four piece are Jake Thorsen (Guitars/Vocals), Voytek Golbiak (Guitars), Ashley Porter (Bass/Vocals) and Hugo Terva on the Drums.

If you’re a fan of the more fantastical side of heavy metal that transports you to epic realms filled with warriors, mythical creatures, and the thunderous clash of battle, then “Call of the Warmaster Volume 1” is an album you absolutely cannot miss. This powerhouse release seamlessly blends the ferocity of old-school power metal with the intricate universe of Warhammer, creating a sonic experience that is both exhilarating and immersive.

Totalrock spoke to guitarist and singer Jake Thorsen to get a bit more background on the new album:

“This release is the culmination of the first part of our heavily “chaos and order” themed project. It includes many of our previously released singles as well as a couple of new and unreleased works that we’ve managed to finally kick into shape.

Working with our producer, Meyrick de la Fuente (Exist Immortal), we’ve really challenged ourselves musically and I feel he’s helped push our material to another level.

As avid gamers, The Call of the Warmaster is the first of two volumes we will be releasing around a “space war” theme. The literary universe is so inspiring that we’ve already begun on the next! Whether we are summoning ancient evil gods of chaos or falling further into the pit for our sins, every guitar line, vocal melody and beat was such a pleasure to perform for you and we really hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it”.

From the very first track, “Blood For The Blood God” , you’re thrust into a world of raging storms and fierce battles. The driving guitar riffs and thunderous drums set the stage for an epic journey, while the powerful vocals evoke the spirit of . The lyrics are rich with imagery, painting vivid scenes of ancient warriors sailing into battle and preparing for glory. It’s anthemic, to say the least.

“Heresy” is another standout track that pays homage to the Warhammer universe with its intricate storytelling and dynamic composition, while still being catchy as hell. The song captures the essence of a chaotic battle, with lyrics that weave together themes of honour, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of victory. The chorus is anthemic, inviting listeners to join in the battle cry, making it a perfect addition to any live performance.

The production quality of “Call of the Warmaster Volume 1” is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining a cohesive sound. Death Valley Knights has outdone themselves with this album. It’s not just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through time and fantasy, where the spirit of Vikings meets the dark, intricate lore of Warhammer 40k. Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or a fan of epic storytelling, “Call of the Warmaster Volume 1” is sure to resonate with you.

The epic and ending guitar solo on “A Rest Denied” are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing a very impressive technical prowess while still sounding musical. The bass lines are heavy and thunderous, grounding the music while adding depth to the overall sound. The song ends with a horde of chants while the band (presumably) sails off into the next galaxy to conquer.

It’s gloriously over the top in the absolute best sense of the word.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an album that combines powerful music with captivating themes of good, evil, chaos and good old Warhammer mythology, look no further than “Call of the Warmaster Volume 1” .It’s a triumphant celebration of heavy metal that will leave you headbanging and yearning for more. Grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and prepare to be transported to a world of epic battles and legendary heroes!