Dragonspell “На границе миров (At The Borders of The Worlds)” for #MetalChronicles
Band: Dragonspell
Tittle: На границе миров (At The Borders of The Worlds)
Label:Independent
Release Date: March 25th, 2024
Country:Russia
Format Reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording
Dragonspell – “На границе миров”: A Magical Journey at the Border of The Worlds in Russian Symphonic Power Metal
“Dive into Dragonspell’s enchanting debut album, “На границе миров” (At the Border of The Worlds), where stunning orchestral arrangements meet powerful riffs and mesmerizing vocals. Explore lyrical themes inspired by fantasy and mythology, and experience the captivating sound of Russian power metal.” (by Elyna Steel)
Welcome to a new episode of The Metal Chronicles, the space for albums released up to a year ago. This time, it is a pleasure to introduce you to Dragonspell, a group of adorable and talented musicians from the frozen lands of Russia, led by stunning Agatha Trubitsyna on vocals, along with Evgeny Rozhkov on bass, Alexander Ovchinnikov on drums, and Nikita Kolganov on guitars and orchestration.
The band has three singles to their credit: Свет надежды (Light of Hope, 2021); Уходя за грань (Going Over The Edge, 2022); and Феникс (Phoenix, 2024). In the recording of this single, Pytor Elfyimov collaborated on the vocal arrangements and choirs, Ivan Isotov on bass, and Ivan Kaiser on the orchestra. The three tracks were included on their debut album “На границе миров” (At the Border of the Worlds), released on March 25, 2024.
“At the Border of the Worlds” embodies symphonic power metal at its finest, with a perfect blending of beautiful orchestral arrangements, powerful riffs, and a rhythmic base, in conjunction with magical and moving atmospheres and sublime vocal performance. On the other hand, the theme of his lyrics takes the listener on a journey through magical fictional worlds such as Tolkien’s universe, Dune, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and The Witcher, revolving around magic, fairy tales, sorcery, and myths.
One aspect that captivated me about Dragonspell is its phonetics. And the Russian language sounds so beautiful to the rhythm of power metal. Though unfamiliar to my Spanish-speaking roots, the Russian language sounds mesmerizing against the backdrop of power metal. The fluidity in diction and the perfect synchronization of the voices with the meter of the bars make the Russian language exquisite to listen to. This phonetic allure, combined with the indisputable talent of the musicians and Agatha’s wonderful voice—one of the most beautiful in the genre—gives life to a profoundly chilling auditory experience. It feels like a gentle caress on the senses, like a warm breeze touching your skin, sending shivers down your spine. The groove and emotion poured into each of the nine songs add a layer of dramatic flair and create a magical, evocative sound that captivates your heart.
The journey begins with a majestic opening thanks to “Мир песчаных волн” (“A World of Sand Waves”) that lasts 05:09’. The orchestrations are spectacular, the dynamic melodic and rhythmic base, which fuses symphony with Middle Eastern-style sound nuances in the bridge, is captivating, the powerful riffs give depth to the whole, and the vocal execution throughout the track is perfect, including passages with Arabic vibrato. With a medium tempo that flows naturally, this song not only marks the beginning of the album but also makes clear the high standard of what is to come, capturing attention immediately.
“Феникс” (“Phoenix”) is the second track and lasts 05:11. It is one of the band’s previous singles and has a music video on YouTube with more than 8,000 views, with a cyberpunk aesthetic. The melody and rhythmic structure are exquisitely appealing, echoing Nightwish’s “Elan” and “The Riddler.” With a medium rhythm, magic orchestrations, and exciting and powerful voices, Dragonspell’s Phoenix stands as one of the new essentials of symphonic metal and its future live performances, and is so catchy and fluid that any listener can fall under the spell and end up singing it…in Russian.
The beautiful next track is one of my favorites, “Дикая охота” (“Wild Hunt”). Compared to the previous two, the song diversifies the tempo, betting on an initial fast spellbinding, passing through a warm bridge at a slow tempo, and picking up the pace towards the end, giving the sensation of “hunting,” very much in tune with the title. The galloping chorus is embracing—you enter a loop of hours of hypnotic listening. Agatha surprises in her middle register on the leading, along with sweet vocal polyphonies. The guitar solo excites, slightly echoing neoclassical metal, while the keyboard evokes wild places and journeys into the unknown.
Track 4 is “Портрет” (“Portrait”) with a duration of 04:13’. Composed in minor key with captivating rhythmic and melodic bases and at a tempo that varies from slow to medium and from medium to fast, “Портрет” is one of the most nostalgic songs on the album. The harmonious guitar solo, along with the dramatic bridge, which is dominated by the orchestral arrangements and the impeccable voices, make this piece a powerful sound experience, full of emotion.
Moving on, we reach “Praise the Sun.” Clocking in at 03:43’, this is a “radio hit”—in the good sense of the word. It is fluid, dynamic, and nostalgic. With orchestrations that include violin, these elements merge with the bewitching melody and rhythmic base. Furthermore, it is one of the cuts where the fascinating guitar solo is neoclassical power metal—fast arpeggios, brilliant slides reaching the last frets of the bridge—you get me!
The sixth track is “Уходя за грань” (“Going Over The Edge”). It’s another of my favorites, set to that electrifying fast tempo—typical of the power metal that I love so much. It lasts’04:13’—which goes by too quickly and forces you to go into loop listening—and includes epic keyboards with pipe organ-style sounds. Likewise, it is a very vocal-driven song, with a chorus that sticks with you long after the song ends, yet the two-voice riffs and the brilliant neoclassical guitar solos are engaging and are a religious experience to the ear.
“Последнее желание” (“Last Wish”) is track 7th and feats Evgeni Epishin (Sgian Dhub), Unperson, and Higanbana (Хиганбана) on vocals. Clocking in at 04:26′ is an emotional power metal ballad composed in the key of E minor and structured at a slow tempo and 4/4 time signature, syncopated in some sections of the verses, echoing some Allen-Lande’s ballads. Also, the Agatha/Evgeni vocal duet is masterful. The atmosphere they create with their harmony and overwhelming choruses. Throughout the track, it impresses and moves, which is enhanced by the eloquent rhythmic-melodic base and anthology orchestrations.
In the same vein, we have another of my favorite tunes, “Свет надежды” (“Light of Hope”). Hands down, one of the most intense metal ballads I’ve ever heard. It’s wild how this track gives me chills every time I play it. Clocking at 04:44′, in a slow tempo and arranged in a cinematic structure, this 8th track delivers a great diversity of sound elements while maintaining the power metal ballad hallmark. All this gives it a magical, almost medieval Celtic tribal touch. “Свет надежды” does evoke powerful imagery, to the point you can see a Viking ship carrying the body of its leader engulfed in flames, ready to enter Valhalla, while being mourned by his people.
Finally, as every fantastic adventure that deserves to be one needs a spectacular closure, we have “Возвращение короля” (“The Return of the King”). Running for 03:57′, at a medium tempo, and in a 4/4 time signature, this track could be a metal version of LOTR’s soundtrack. Being driven by vocals and keyboards, it also includes sonic elements that resemble the peace of The Shire at the beginning and cavalcades leading the battlefield, growing more vivid as the music and vocals progress. The effect of clashing swords and war cries further increases this evocative sonority, which is reinforced by the beautiful two-part guitar riffs. The change of key in the final portion adds a layer of theatricality, making the closing of the track and the album a great ending to this mythic musical journey.
In summary, Dragonspell’s debut is a jewel of Symphonic Power Metal that combines impressive orchestral arrangements with powerful riffs and evocative vocals. Agatha Trubitsyna, singing in her native language, puts a unique stamp on the songs, creating an immersive and magical listening experience. With a lyrical, melodic, and rhythmic diversity, from emotional ballads to epic anthems, “На границе миров” (“At the Border of the Worlds”) surprises as a wonderful first installment that positions both Dragonspell as a new and exciting force, and Agatha Trubitsyna as one of the most stunning voices within the genre. 10/10 Immortal Classic
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10/10 Immortal Classic
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