Thalarion

Tales of the Woods (Mighty Music)
by Scott Hefflon

An interesting mix of doom, death, black, and ’80s metal. While that may sound incongruous, Thalarion pull it off. Combining a deep, deep male voice speaking and singing softly, a death metal demon roar, a black shriek, and occasional female sirens, Thalarion combine the best of all metal worlds. Theatrical doom, evil howls, and guttural growls lay atop the surprisingly technical guitarwork. Kinda Maiden with some early Metallica start/stops (remember when Metallica was a fast hard rock band circa “Whiplash” and “Hit the Lights” and you’ll understand the “rock” influence here), Thalarion really shines when they veer away from the more traditional doom plod, hyperspeed races, and acoustic melancholy. Not to discredit three-quarters of their style, but it’s that final quarter that makes them unique, special, and a band to check out.
(Vermlandsgade 74, 1 tv, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark)