Review Summary: Making the most of niche metal
Philadelphia’s Blazon Rite plays traditional metal with a rather angular attitude on their first full-length album. The song structures are prone to tempo changes seemingly at random, and the production has an amateurish quality that is further reinforced by the somewhat slapdash musicianship. As a result, Endless Halls of Golden Totem comes out comparable to the groups like The Lord Weird Slough Feg and Realmbuilder that occupy the more eccentric side of the epic metal spectrum.
These considerations would make the album seem like a train-wreck, but there’s an endearing element that makes for an enjoyable experience. The vocals immediately stand out, boasting a baritone more aligned with Visigoth and Adamantis than the usual wailers. The guitar playing also stands out for its vibrant leads and flexible chugs. Inversely, the drums have a somewhat stilted feel, and the occasional synth pops up for a little extra corniness, but they do more to enhance the fun than hinder it.
And despite the unorthodox labyrinths that define the band’s songwriting method, there are enough memorable sequences to keep things anchored. “The Night Watchmen Of Starfall Tower” and “Into Shores Of Blood” are perhaps the album’s most straightforward tracks, the former being primarily driven by a mid-tempo pounding reminiscent of Anvil while the latter closes things out in a triumphant yet somber air. “Put Down Your Steel (Only For The Night)” and the title track also manage to be stirring highlights, the latter featuring a fun medieval interlude.
Overall, Blazon Rite makes the most of their niche metal on Endless Halls Of Golden Totem. On one hand, the album is trickier to get used to those of their peers and could be off-putting to those seeking something more surface level. Yet at the same time, their unique musicianship and more off-the-wall songwriting may have extra appeal for those who seek more than the same old Iron Maiden worship. There’s room to finetune their approach for future efforts but one hopes that they don’t lose too much of themselves in the process.
Highlights:
“Put Down Your Steel (Only For The Night)”
“Endless Halls of Golden Totem”
“The Night Watchman of Starfall Tower”
“Into Shores of Blood”
