Dragonknight “The Imperator” for #METALMOMENTUM
Band: Dragonknight
Title: The Imperator (Debut single)
Label: Scarlet Records
Release Date: November 21st, 2024
Country: Finland
Format Reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording
(Debut Single) Dragonknight – “The Imperator”; Awakening the Inner Power of the Children of the Steel.
“Experience Dragonknight’s powerful new single “The Imperator.” A triumphant anthem and the revival of epic power metal, combining epic sound, intense vocals, and cinematic orchestration to deliver an tale of strength, unity, and inner power. Get ready for their upcoming album Legions, igniting the warrior spirit in all of us.” (by Elyna Steel)
Welcome to a new edition of “Metal Momentum”, the sacred space for the latest singles in the metal realms.
Today’s protagonists are five Lords coming from Finland: Lord Gryphon, Lord Kharatos, Lord Solarius, Lord Othrakis and Lord Salo Khan, who form the powerful order called Dragonknight, which has already caused a sensation with its anthemic first single, “The Imperator “. Regarding the identity of our Lords, we only know that of Lord Salo Kahn. Behind that enigmatic mask is maestro Mikael Salo (ex-Metal de Facto, ex-Dyecrest, ex-Thy Row).
Released on November 21, “The Imperator ” gives us a preview of what is to come on their upcoming album “Legions”, which will be released on January 17th under none other than Scarlet Records. The same label promotes iconic bands such as Rhapsody of Fire, Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody, Vision Divine and even Angra. That’s why I feel that Dragonknight is a new force and reference for power metal. Considering all this, let’s delve into Dragon Knights first take.
“The Imperator” is an epic power metal song that feels like a new anthem within the genre. It captivated me by its lyrics, its sound, its structure and orchestrations, and very particularly, by the wonderful vocal display.
For starters, its lyrical narrative is quite familiar. Its seductive and enveloping lyrics describe a group of brothers and sisters in battle. They long for The Emperor to gather his invincible Legion of warriors and thus crush all the enemies to the ground.
Now, many may say that lyrics like these are simple cliches or go-to lines. However, these lyrics reinforce the feeling of belonging to a group, the sense of community and connection with a greater ideal. Everyone, regardless of sex, gender, age, race, language or any other difference, can find a place and a tribe here.
Furthermore, lyrics like this are sung with your heart in your throat in a cathartic ritual where you can release all the bad vibes, stress and worries of daily life, our “enemies”, so to speak. They also energize, lift and revitalize sagging spirits. You feel the calling of the Emperor touching the dejected mind and heart, filling you with purpose and power.
And even more. As you listen to the song, you can discover that this powerful and invincible being, the Emperor, is within all of us. Each of us has an Emperor or Empress in our soul, and songs like this awaken that innate strength that allows us to stand up and go out into the battle of Life, ensuring victory over adversity.
This is what epic power metal offers; not only stories about dragons, castles or swords, virtuoso guitarists or super talented vocalists. It also offers a sense of purpose, communion, and belonging. And it’s also about energy and reconnection with the innate power living inside us all.
In terms of sonority, “The Imperator” slightly evokes classic Manowar anthems such as “Warriors Of The World”, “Blood Of My Enemies” and “Call To Arms”, but the signature sound of these Lords stands out. The epic and theatrical keyboards hits like a storm, while vocal orchestrations strike with such divine fury and overwhelming power that you can’t help but feel your skin crawl. The chill hits hard. You know, my neurodivergent brain that feels literally everything very intensely releases a cascade of dopamin to my body that feels liberating and warm.
As for the structure, it features a pulse that varies from an Andante for most of the track, to a galloping rhythm towards the end, while maintaining a constant 4/4 time signature. This dynamic allows the song to flow elegantly. Furthermore, there is neither an overabundance of flashy solos nor excessive displays of virtuosity. Instead, the fiery riffs create an exquisite atmosphere of proud victory, enhanced by the spectacular symphonic-style vocal orchestrations that make you feel like you want to grab your sword and run onto the battlefield.
The vocals provide the final touch to this epic story. The characteristics that stand out the most about Lord Salo Kahn are a captivating display of power, charisma and conviction in an anthology-worthy vocal performance, cohering perfectly with the drums and bass , and creating an immpresive immersive atmosphere that enhances the listening experience. Furthermore, its resonant, imposing and forceful presence, along with the dazzling background, reaches your ears in the form of a seductive command, as if the Emperor himself were summoning his forces while giving you security and confidence to join Him in the battle and face your destiny, whatever it may be. Or as if you had realized that you are an Emperor or an Empress so there is nothing you need to fear, for there is nothing that can defeat you.
Finally, regarding the production, it highlights the rhythmic and symphonic elements, which are essential for an epic piece. At the same time, it maintains an impeccable balance, ensuring that each layer complements the whole and making “The Imperator” a must piece for every son or daughter worthy of true epic metal, the one that awakens the Emperor or Empress that we carry in our blood.
“The Imperator” is the first invocation of the mighty Dragonknight, proving that epic power metal is more alive than ever and that the flame never goes out. It tells a timeless story of unity, meaning, purpose and battle. It also reflects a deep sense of belonging to something greater than oneself. Also, it is an opportunity to reconnect with one’s own internal power and thus to invoke the Emperor or Empress that we all carry within to face and win the battle of Life.
The imposing cinematic theatricality of its orchestration, the power of the rhythmic base and the exquisite vocal performance brings its narrative to life, making you part of the story of the invincible Emperor and infecting you with an incredible triumphant energy.
So guys, prepare your armour lying around, for it’s time to get it out and wear it. The Dragon legions are being summoned to be ready for battle this January 17th. For my part, I am eager to enter the battlefield and join the Dragon Knights Legion, hand in hand with my Empress —that is myself. Stay metal! 10/10 by Elyna
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