Elvenking’s trilogy concludes on Reader Of The Runes-Luna. The band get straight to business on the hammering “Season Of The Owl”, with its rollicking drums and syncopated guitar riffing. The tenseness of the rhythm section is offset for violinist Lethien’s spirited playing. The contrast of light and dark, fun and brooding, sets the tone of the album. The title track is a dynamic rocker with a few twists and turns that keep it interesting. Its playful melody creates an image of elves playing in the forest, causing mischief to human travelers. “Gone Epoch” places greater emphasis on the band’s folk influences with a slightly sorrowful melody. The guitar riff and violin playing during the midsection create an eerie atmosphere before the main riff concludes the track.
Things get heavier on “Stormcarrier” with its fast introduction before slowing to a mid-tempo with simple guitar riffs and pummeling double bass. Guitarists Aydan and Headmatt throw out some shredding leads that intertwine with Lethien’s violin to stellar effect. We get shades of Dio on “Starbath” with its slick groove interspersed with guitar fills and sing along chorus. This song conjures images of a band of warriors marching down a trail seeking adventure. “On These Haunted Shores” continues the heaviness of the previous tracks with some Amon Amarthesque riffs and thumping beat. The song briefly flirts with thrash towards the end, but prematurely stop before proper headbanging can occur. The final two songs on Luna are the longest, and compliment one another. “The Weeping” is the penultimate track, and is dark and downcast as its title suggests. The acoustic guitars and weeping strings are moved by a grooving beat that erupts before subduing itself throughout the track. The 11 minute “Reader Of The Runes-Book II” is the sequel “Book I” on 2019’s Reader of the Runes-Divination. There are elements of thrash and power metal, while the folk elements are slightly subdued. Heck we even get a dose of blast beats for good measure.
Luna is based on balanced songwriting. The songs are fairly dynamic, but rarely monotonous and the longer songs are saved for the end. The tone is also equal parts dark and fun, as one is immersed in a fantasy book or film with battles, ale houses, magic and mythical creatures. The production is fine, with ample attention provided to the guitars and drums.
Reader of the Runes-Luna ends on a high note and I commend Elvenking for a job well done. This album is roughly the same length as its two predecessors with fun songs that are neither too serious or comedic. Fans of the band should enjoy this record as would any fans of folk or symphonic metal. The trilogy is over, but we will see what new tales Elvenking has in store for us.
Check out the band’s official website here: https://www.elvenking.net/
