Dragonknight – Legions
Band: Dragonknight
Title: Legions
Label: Scarlet Records
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Country: Finland
Format Reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording
Album debut: Dragonknight – Legions: The Opening Roar of the Dragonlords Igniting the World.
“Immerse yourself in the epic world of Finnish Dragonknight and their debut album “Legions”, as you embark on a musical journey filled with heroic narratives, triumphant melodies, and powerful vocals. Discover a sanctuary of strength and inspiration in the immersive soundscapes of Epic power metal” By Elyna Steel
I love power metal in its different forms. And of course, I love Epic power metal. As usual, it is all about dragons, heroes and stories of brave warriors triumphing against darkness.
And the truth is, it’s been years since I got my hands on an album that translated the genre to my spirit correctly – epic, real and honest. Until Legions, the long-awaited debut of Finnish Dragonknight arrived in my inbox. They are 5 “veterans of Finnish metal” as they introduce themselves in the press promo. 5 Lords who hide their faces under an intriguing mask: Lord Solaris, Lord Karathos, Lord Othrakis, Lord Gryphon and Lord Salo Kahn on vocals, the only one whose identity is known, none other than the incomparable Mikael Salo (Ex-Metal de Facto, Ex-Everfrost).
Legions was released on January 17th via Scarlet Records and has been met with a promising reception from fans of epic power metal, folk, melodic, and symphonic metal. With a heroic narrative, catchy and intense melodies, and a display of talent and technical mastery in both music and production, Legions is an 11-song epic crafted with millimetric precision in every sense.
The adventure begins with the sublime intro “Ascendance; Through Sea And Fire”, 02:40’ long. The curtain rises, and the symphony, orchestra, cinematic sound and brilliant touches explode in an astonishing display of emotion, greatness and power, echoing the great soundtracks of epic Disney-style films and the dramatic Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody intros. The melody increases in intensity throughout, featuring spectacular bridges and intense choral arrangements that leave your heart pounding, ready to enjoy what’s to come.
Track 2 is the outstanding, 05;10-minute, second single “The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords”. It is a power metal epic that explores deep dichotomies such as fear and bravery, ignorance and knowledge, light and darkness, indoctrination and liberation of the spirit and mind. The Immortal Dragonlords reflect the brave hero who fights to defeat everything that holds back human beings, in a hymn of unity, power and meaning.
Musically, it is structured in 4/4 time, at a fast-paced tempo, the track conveys a triumphant energy, enhanced by ’80s-inspired keyboard arpeggios and guitar-keyboard solos, that weave together seamlessly. On the other hand, the balance of the rhythmic base, killer riffs and the impressive melodic solos of the bridge creates a deep, powerful and nuanced texture. The vocal performance is worthy of an anthology. It brings a balance between roaring, sturdy notes with soft nuances in perfect and precise synchronization with the music, making the song fluid and infectious in such a way that every time I listen to it, I enter a loop of hours of obsessive playback.
Long made short, “The Legions Of Immortal Dragonlords” feels like a haven, a sanctuary where I go every time life goes uphill, and I find strength from the hand of my beloved Dragonlords, who instilled in me courage and determination to make it another day.
The rejoicing follows with the vibrant “The Imperator”. It is the first single, running for 04:52′. This track is a powerful hymn, and a triumphant march full of glory and majesty.
The lyric delivers a timeless and profound message, reflected in an odyssey of brave warriors, who are summoned to battle by their powerful leader to defeat enemies in defence of their brothers. These messages, beyond the fact that some may say are “typical lyrics of the genre,” infuse the atmosphere with sincere solemnity, and a sense of unity, belonging, and purpose. Furthermore, “The Imperator” resonates like a mantra, an Expecto Patronum to awaken inner power when all seems dark on the outside, knowing that everyone has an Emperor or Empress at the centre of our spirit, waiting to be summoned to “crush the enemies to the ground”, no matter what form they may take.
As for the music, “The Imperator”, even though is influenced by classic bands like Manowar, reveals Dragonknight‘s sound. You know it’s them, as soon as the first notes of the song begin. Its resonant symphonic elements and killer riffs hit you squarely in the head, meanwhile, the rhythmic base pushes you to get up from your seat in a kind of merciless punch straight to the chest, which fills you with adrenaline and positive energy. The voice gives an aggressive, commanding and powerful touch, which differs from many bands of the genre, by not abusing the high notes when they are unnecessary, giving space to a credible and devastatingly powerful interpretation.
The fusion of these elements, together with the balance, drama and theatricality of the song, create an adventure that transcends the music itself, transforming it into an epic journey —in the broadest sense of the word.
The following track is “Pirates, Bloody Pirates!” running for 04:32’. This lyric depicts a timeless story of pirates, sailors, adventurers, and the uncertainty of the fate that awaits them when venturing into unknown, dangerous waters. Pirates are portrayed as the archetype of brutality and terror, representing the destructive and unstoppable forces that those who dare to cross the oceans can face, from sailors to fortune hunters. The sailor faces his final fate at the hands of the pirates, in a cruel Russian roulette where luck can change in a second. In turn, the “savage fleet with monster golden teeth” reflects more than just the brutality of the pirates as mere characters; they are entities that challenge the power of the sea, and the very foundations of all civilization.
However, these seemingly invincible beings can also be swept away by the unpredictable and definitive force of the sea, which symbolizes the duality of life and death. You can’t negotiate with the sea. It is the lord, master and owner, and no one, not bloody pirates —not even re-elected presidents—can defeat it.
Musically, the song features a fast pace and a 4/4 time signature. It starts with elegant acoustic sounds, intertwined with keyboards and Folk-type orchestration in a melodic crescendo, exploding into a guitar-driven intermezzo. The rhythmic base feels balanced and demolishing, all at once, enveloping the ambience in a majestic and warm sensation. In addition, the galloping riffs flow with a refreshing naturalness, and the groovy solos add a rich festive texture to the track, achieving a magical balance with the overall elements.
The vocals add personality, intensity and testosterone-driven power —as if Poseidon himself were narrating the story from the depths of the ocean. These build to a jaw-dropping climax, where the high notes feel like a powerful thunderclap that tears through the skin while infusing triumphant energy. It is not just traditional high notes of the genre but deeper, denser, and quite astonishing!
Thus, Pirates, Bloody Pirates! is a sure bet for Dragonknight‘s success when they make their live debut —whenever it will be. The vibrant and thought-provoking lyrics, fast pace, anthology-worthy orchestrations and vocals and elegant and powerful guitars make it a must-see for lovers of good epic metal, alongside being one of my favourite tracks from the album!
Next up is the wonderful masterpiece “Defender Of Dragons”, one of the most beautiful, emotional and captivating songs of recent times in epic-melodic metal.
If you enjoy Nightwish, Rhapsody, Luca Turilli or Sonata Arctica, or if you are a fan of Game of Thrones or House of Dragons series, this song will captivate you with its sound, rhythm and structure. “Defender Of Dragons” is ideal to be included in the soundtrack of any epic movie that features Dragons, magic and the fight against oppression.
Running at 05;44’, this new beauty portrays the struggles, bravery and courage of the Defender of Dragons, a central character in many epic tales —and a key piece for the genre. It reflects this Knight as a being in conflict, who knows his light and purpose, but is also aware of his inner darkness, which leads him to moments of anguish, questioning and despair. But at the end of it all, he knows that his role is important, that his presence and his courage are essential in the battle against oppression. In turn, Dragons symbolize the greatness, wisdom and desire for freedom that move the steps of his destiny
The music follows a medium-time signature and a 4/4 time signature. Melodically, “Defender Of Dragons” brings back the magic of the orchestrations delivered by Nightwish, Ensiferum and Sonata Arctica, driven by a more relaxed yet galloping rhythmic base. The sounds of flute and violin, together with the unplugged guitars and background sounds are the ideal tapestry for the following intermezzo, which follows the melodic pattern, adding powerful riffs and accelerating the pace, achieving a beautiful and emotional transition between the two sections.
The verses feel like a caress as if the brave Knight took your hand and led you along a steep path throughout the track, transmitting security and hope. The pre-chorus and chorus are accompanied by exquisite sounds that give off the Celtic-folk vibe, galloping and vibrant pulses of drums and riffs. Meanwhile, the brilliant vocal arrangements give depth and an air of majesty to the whole.
The magical guitar solo, elegant and free of unnecessary virtuosity, gives way to the last portion of the track, the climax. The progressions follow one another in a subtle but powerful way, the sounds that evoke thousands of drums join the magic provoked by the imposing vocal performance, infusing a solemn and portentous vibe, as if the Dragon himself were roaring and summoning his Legion.
In short, “Defender Of Dragons” is a stunning odyssey with hints of Celtic, medieval and folk music, with melodic metal as its central thread. Its musicality, narrative and rhythm full of nuances, emotional depth and mastery offer an enchanting journey to the realm of the Dragons, hand in hand with the brave knight who protects them with his life.
“Storm Bringer” is the sixth track, which runs at 05:12’. These powerful lyrics transport me to the moment of the Battle of Helm’s Deep. King Theoden and his people are faced with certain massacres at the hands of Saruman’s army. “What can be done in the face of so much irrational hatred!?” he declares, assuming that the end of his people has come. Despite having the elven army and the Heir to the throne of Gondor at his side, who leads the ranks of soldiers, the forces are unequal. There is no way to survive.
Yet, at dawn, a powerful, luminous figure appears behind the hills… It’s Gandalf! And he doesn’t come alone! Eomer and the Rohirrim have returned just in time to defend the King and land, finally defeating the enemy army! Against all odds, and plunged into the certainty of defeat, the story takes an unexpected and triumphant turn. The Kingdom of Rohan has prevailed!
“Storm Bringer” is to Dragonknight what Gandalf and Eomer are to Theoden and his people. His determination and bravery, coupled with his skill in combat, turned a red dawn into a beacon of hope for all of Middle-Earth—and for all of us, proving that even when darkness seems to prevail, we can always call upon the “Storm Bringer” to fight by our side, for he symbolizes the inner strength that drives us to fight and overcome adversity.
Musically, the song features a fast, furious 4/4 beat. It reminds me of Hammerfall, Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius in its classically power metal sound. The symphonic orchestrations and the crushing rhythmic base, added to the delicate and powerful riffs, and the subtle but leading presence of the keyboard, create a warm and invigorating vibe, which feels like a breath of fresh air. Or like a warm and exquisite breeze in the middle of a torrid day, typical of Santiago of Chile in summer, with 34 degrees in the shade.
The rhythmic and melodic structure is stable throughout, with small breaks in the pre-choruses and bridges. As for the voice, and thanks to his incredible vocal handling and his masterful mixed chest-voice resonance, Lord Salo Kahn executes powerful and sharp high notes in the line endings of the choruses, deep and forceful, infusing density and personality to the whole. Finally, the two-voice solos add the classic power metal spark and a nostalgic, almost romantic vibe, filling the track with beauty and magic.
Thus, “Storm Bringer” is one of the most representative songs of classic power metal and one of the essentials of the band’s future setlist. In addition, its melodic and symphonic metal elements make it an endearing, anthemic cut. Meanwhile, the excellent vocal execution adds character, charisma and depth, making it dynamic and vibrant.
The next track is another of my favourites from the album. It’s the heartbreaking ballad “Astarte Rise”, clocking in at 05;08’.
The protagonist of the story is Astarte, the Semitic Goddess of love, fertility, sexuality and war. Also related to the protection of kingdoms and the Moon, Astarte represents the force of light amid darkness and the prevalence of life over death. She is also a symbol that faith and love can defeat evil. The people raise their voices to invoke her, and thus be freed from tyranny and the oppressive yoke.
This spiral of emotions and energies is masterfully interpreted in the voices, full of connection with history, nuances, textures and power, in a display of talent, magic and technical skill that simply leaves you amazed, with a full heart.
As for the music, this beautiful ballad is among the ones that has impacted me the most in recent times. It is deeply emotional and nostalgic.
It kicks off with charming acoustic chords in two voices, followed by magical arpeggios that accompany the velvety voice. The orchestral arrangements in the background enhance the whole in a sublime, almost heavenly fusion, which is in perfect harmony and coherence with the narrative. The first chorus maintains the sound of acoustic guitars, followed by all the power of a power metal ballad in a beautiful pattern that follows one another throughout. The last section made my skin crawl! The display of subtle but powerful solos, together with the voice that seems to release all the fury and love of the Goddess Astarte in a sharp vocal sustain, touches the fibres of the soul, leaving a feeling of peace, comfort and much affection.
I confess that as soon as I heard this song, I loved it, ¡I adored it! Could it be that the Goddess Astarte really entered into the mind of Lord Kharatos and infused him with her loving and powerful spirit when writing and composing this marvel? Most likely!
The eighth, 04:23-minute track is “Dead Kings In The Grave”, another of the most ear-catching songs in the melody, rhythm and chorus. Its lyrics reflect the struggle between good and evil, with powerful imagery evoking war, power and death. The Emperor, a prodigious warrior with demonic eyes and metal wings, is a character that leaves room for a wide range of interpretations. This character can represent anything from a World War II bomber plane, one of the sons of the Mother of Dragons, Smaug or even the Witch King riding his Nazgul. Whatever the case, this Emperor personifies the unstoppable force of violence and the sweet taste of victory. Here, metal is a glorious icon of rebellion, resistance and power, driving the mighty warrior to fight against everyone to achieve triumph, even at the cost of his own life. Pierced by an arrow of elven steel, this imagery of the dead Emperor introduces the idea of the fragility of life and mortality. Even the most powerful beings, despite their supposed invulnerability, must fall one day. So in the end, what matters is the legacy we leave behind. Ultimately, true death is oblivion. But if we leave behind any important legacy, we will not die. We will live on in the stories and songs made in honour of our deeds or actions.
¿Can you think of a more epic narrative than this? “Dead Kings In The Grave” possesses everything that is called Epic Metal!
Musically, the song is structured in a stable 4/4 time signature and features a galloping medium beat. The soft and mysterious orchestration of the intro gives strong vibes of Symphony X, Angra and Edu Falaschi, and fantasy movie soundtracks. The melody and rhythmic base are stable throughout, and very guitar-keyboard driven, featuring killer riffs and solos that give robustness and depth to the whole. The chorus is so catchy that it sticks in your mind like a mantra and you love it! Its galloping riffs, thunderous drums, imposing orchestral background and joyful, powerful and perfect vocals create a straight-to-the-point type of track, akin to a musical GPS that places you exactly where you want to be in the genre, which calms you down and excites you at the same time.
On vocals, the sharp, powerful high notes give you an intense dopamine punch. Meanwhile, the vocal arrangements give the song the precise dark vibe needed to match the music and lyrics—as if the Emperor himself with evil eyes were speaking and laughing maliciously at our poor mortal souls while planning to crush us to the ground.
The adventure continues with the charming “Sword Of The Northern Lights” which runs for a very short 04:18. At least they seem brief to me. Listening to this track is like riding in your car, with a warm wind gently caressing your skin—one of my favourite physical sensations. It feels so good.
The lyrics portray a transformative introspective journey. They reflect internal struggle, desire for revenge and search for freedom and a definitive life purpose. The imagery evokes the long, harsh and dark winter of the Nordic lands, which each year requires its people to learn to live anew in those harsh conditions. At the same time, this idea also expresses the fear, doubt, anger and darkness that dwells in the heart of the Knight, who yearns to find the meaning of his existence. The desire for revenge – or rather, for justice in the face of the pain caused by “draconian laws” and oppression – is also a powerful force that helps him rise.
Finally, the Northern Lights appear as a symbol of hope that breaks the s darkness and cold in the Knight’s heart. His mission gets clear; to obtain the Sword of the Northern Lights, which will be his light, his guide and companion forever.
As for the music, it’s a pure power metal song, evoking sounds from bands like Helloween, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Sabaton, Allen-Lande and Masterplan in the melody, the vocals and the exquisite 4/4, andante rhythm, which remains stable. The bass takes centre stage in the first verses, accompanied by keyboard arrangements that give the whole thing an 80s-90s vibe. The refined riffs are a safe sound for my autistic brain. They are harmonic, simple (not easy!), precise, clean and fluid, complementing the rhythmic base and the keyboards, and giving stability, balance and robustness to the track. The guitar solo follows the line of the great epic power solos; precise, clean and sober solfeggios and pickings.
On the other hand, Lord Salo Kahn demonstrates his impressive vocal versatility, going from very low notes to wonderful high notes, which epic power metal lovers love so much. And not only that. The vocal arrangements and backing vocals at first listen seem like different people’s voices… But it’s always the same Lord Salo Kahn performing everything. There are no backing vocalists on Dragonknight ladies and gentlemen, but one unique and incomparable Mikael Salo doing magic!
Long story short, “Sword Of The Northern Lights” is a refreshing, beautiful and also nostalgic journey in the musical sense, which can take you on a trip back in time to the early years of epic power metal, to that primordial energy that started the world that all of us who love this genre inhabit and who see it beyond a type of music, as a way of life.
The next track is “The Revelation”, clocking in at 03:16. The lyrics are one of the most beautiful and hopeful on the album, as it invite us to enjoy the beings we love, the things we have and to live each day fully. Our time on earth is short, and although sometimes it is difficult to see the positive side of things, “The Revelation” tells us that there is always light behind the darkness, that the life we dream of is on the other side of fear and that the most important thing is to live in the present, consciously and with gratitude to love, forgive, create, and enjoy.
That is, Memento Mori, Memento Vivere — “Remember that you will die, so remember to live.” (I’m on it…)
“The Revelation” is one of my favourite Legions lyrics. It’s like fresh air, water, sunshine and life when I’m feeling heavy. Its message full of hope, good vibes and affection is medicine for the soul. And I’m sure it will resonate the same way in the hearts of many of you, whatever the situation you’re living in.
In the music, the 4/4 structure is maintained, and the tempo is medio-andante. It continues with the spectacular general sound in the style of Sabaton, Blind Guardian and Sonata Arctica, with Helloween and Gamma Ray appearing every here and there, especially in the architecture of the sharp guitar riffs, performed in two voices. It starts with a brief bass solfege, and intense El Vuelo del Moscardon vibes, in the endearing Manowar version. The powerful rhythmic base and the symphonic, cinematic orchestrations—which any good Lord of the Rings-type soundtrack would want—combine perfectly, creating an atmosphere that moves between dark and warm, candid and revitalizing. The solo section is brief, but powerful and robust.
I want you to pay close attention to the backing vocals of the intermezzos. The harmonies Salo created for that section are so powerful and deep, that it seems like a chant of many, many voices, not just one person doing harmonies. Imagine Ensiferum and their grandiose backing vocals. That’s what I’m talking about. Furthermore, the scales of each harmony are perfectly aligned with the others, which creates an epic atmosphere of solemn glory and deep awe.
Hence, “The Revelation” not only follows the line of the classics of the genre but elevates the music to new levels of sonority, vocal quality and lyrical narrative. It is also a powerful reminder to everyone to live in the present and enjoy life, inviting us to remember what is essential: to live fully.
And closing this thunderous adventure comes “Return To Atlantis”, lasting for 07;11’. The text revolves around wars, love, brotherhood, order and chaos, peace and war and the end of a civilization as powerful as Atlantis. Faced with the call to battle, the knights accept their final destiny, and with all honour prepare to return to Atlantis, where their enemies await them, who are depicted as beings whose strength and power seem almost divine. I interpret this image of the knights cleaning and dressing their best armour, taking their armies and returning to Atlantis as a symbol of “returning to the roots”. And also, as a symbol of bravery when facing powerful enemies that seem invincible. Analogically speaking, this can be extrapolated to any situation or relationship that can alter our mental health, becoming one of those enemies that we must face and try to defeat.
Regarding music structure, this one is articulated in a 4/4 pattern at a medium-andante tempo. It also has one of the most dramatic intro sections, thanks to the beautiful symphonic orchestrations in the style of Sabaton and Manowar, and the powerful and impactful rhythmic base. The exquisite and sharp high note in sustain at the beginning, executed to perfection, is a slap in the face, and a dopamine hit straight to the brain, injecting you with rich vibrant energy. Although the general melody is markedly guitar-driven, the bass takes centre stage in the first verse, shining at times, solo. The intermezzo and bridge sections are so spectacular that they seem taken from a soundtrack due to their depth, theatricality and power. Also, the way the notes ascend and descend in the pre-chorus, along with their beautiful tuning are really moving. This is most noticeable at minute 02:21. The background orchestra contrasts with the voice, which performs in a low to medium tone. The melody ascends to the stratosphere, creating an atmosphere both sublime and intense.
The vocal work, on the other hand, impresses with its metric precision and its synchronicity with the rhythmic base. Also, the riffs and solos, catchy and filled with groove, feel like a powerful punch capable of lifting even the most fallen of spirits, unleashing all the power in the style of Sabaton or Ensiferum included. At minute three, an interesting bridge occurs, first cinematic-theatrical-symphonic echoing Symphony X and even soundtracks like Pirates of the Caribbean, Underworld and The Lord of the Rings. Then it turned Folk, with semi-acoustic guitars, giving a melancholic and expectant vibe.
A killer high-pitched comes then, like the roar of a lion, connecting this section with the spectacular guitar solo, notoriously neoclassical. The last seconds of the song are a continuous crescendo, where all the instruments and the voice sound more intense and powerful, closing with a flourish the intense odyssey that Legions delivers through its 11 tracks.
Dragonknight‘s Legions are one of the best-prepared, most anticipated and spectacular debuts I can remember. Scarlet Records made their move, integrating Dragonknight into their ranks alongside great icons of the genre like Twilight Force and Vision Divine.
And they were not wrong, because the band delivers much more than classic epic power metal. Dragonknight, in addition to creating heroic lyrics, has a musicality that makes you fall in love. Every note, every pick, every beat feels perfect, there is nothing random. Everything matches, everything is harmonious. There is no unnecessary phrasing and no dissonance when you are singing the lyrics. There is not a single beat where the voice does not fit perfectly. Everything fits, everything is structured in a beautiful order that does my brain too much good.
And even more. The band’s influences are noticeable, but Dragonknight‘s sound has personality and presence.
Now, some people are criticizing the band, stating that Dragonknight may sound like a copy of influences, lacking novelty and surprise.
To you I say: if you guys want “novelty” and “surprises”, go directly to progressive metal and find those there. Dragonknight is Epic metal, period! And whether you like it or not, they do it perfectly.
In turn, Legions is a remarkable album that appeals to both “hardcore” epic power metalheads, and anyone who matches epic metal, in all its expressions. 10/10 Elyna
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