ALBUM REVIEW: Zenith – Stormborn

After promising beginnings in 2012 including a debut album and an appearance at Bloodstock Festival, STORMBORN seemingly disappeared without a trace. As with most budding musicians, line-up changes and adult responsibilities provided some obstacles throughout their journey but at long last the quintet are back in business with a new full-length effort entitled Zenith which is out now via Rockshot Records. Can the promising outfit make up for lost time and get back on track?

Call Of The Void sets the scene with an ominous, lurking backdrop accompanied by sharp cracks of thunder that usher in an impressive flurry of sweeping riffs – certainly not your average introductory segment. Land Of The Servant King gallops into the spotlight with an energetic pace and vintage heavy metal grandiosity. Plentiful hooks and riff-related wizardry soon follow, accompanied by spine-tingling falsetto bursts. Fear Of A Monster keeps the adrenaline flowing as waves of alluring melody wash over the track. Its anthemic qualities are exactly why this effort was released as the first single.

The Unending Night offers up a nifty little interlude that tees up the fret-blazing intensity of Dawn Will Come Again. Emphatic drum sequences and a commanding vocal presence provide an exhilarating combination. Out In The Weird conjures up a dramatic soundscape packed full of enticing grooves. The powerful chorus lines are a definite highlight.

Serpentine ups the ante with an exciting tempo and swift instrumentation which is destined to become a firm favourite in live sets for years to come. Sublime lead runs add the cherry on the cake. Death Incarnate harnesses the injected momentum and continues the formidable charge. Slick bass lines provide a solid backbone to the arrangement. Echo is STORMBORN at their ambitious best. Inviting tones and an alluring prose have you hanging off every note.

Plenty of comparisons will be made to the forefathers of heavy metal throughout Zenith but that would be doing STORMBORN a disservice. Their sound is firmly embedded in a nostalgic period but comes equipped with a blood transfusion that breathes new life and invigoration into old sensibilities. Their creative prowess and instrumental competency shines through in abundance and is guaranteed to grab a bunch of new listeners along for the ride.

Rating: 8/10

Zenith is out now via Rockshots Records.

Like STORMBORN on Facebook.