Thorondir - Wächter des Waldes
Release date: October 9th, 2025
Trollzorn Records
Thorondir is a Bavarian pagan metal band that got their start in 2007. The core part of the bands collective attention is reserved for attention to, "nature, myths, and the stories that continue to resonate with us today." They pride themselves in a diverse sound while staying true to what I believe would define a pagan metal sound. This often features various forms of metal mixed with slight folk elements. "Wächter des Waldes" will be there fourth album following,"Düsterwald" (2009), "Aus jenen Tagen" (2011) and "Des Wandrers Mär" (2019). Google translated to English, "Wächter des Waldes" means "Guardian Of The Forest". I believe such a title to being very fitting to the identity of the band.
The journey starts with the first track, "In der Tiefe des Waldes". As almost a call to war, it begins with a semi-ominous tone that works into piano and an intrinsic rally cry for future violent declarations. "Drudenfluch" hits hard after the initial introduction the album provides. A vicious scream and raw musical intensity summons all to mobilization. Melody is combined with a rapid vehemence throughout, and eventually subsides further in the song to finish off with a pact to withstand oncoming forces. The third song, "Blut und Ruhm" has an acoustic start that moves into galloping guitars that carry a very pagan metal vibe to them. It has an almost uplifting personality in its sound that is joined again by black metal rasps and the catchiness that the genre possesses. The chorus of the song is one that will stay in your head for sure with properly placed rhythms and vocals. "Rübezahl" I believe has the best start so far on, "Wächter des Waldes". A strong dual guitar combination of rhythm and melody transcends mundaneness with its ear catching quality. Again, the track features all the traits pagan metal enchants the listener with. A punishing memorability shrouded in victorious ambitions and metallic aggression. "Der wilde Jäger" continues the pillage. Standing out is the melodic break at 1:36. Also, the way that this section moves into the next section is wonderful. I enjoy the clearly defined parts that stand strongly on their own and also in the way that they meld with the others. "Bruder Hain" starts with a resting tone and battle inspired drums before venturing out in conquest. Savagery is powerfully met with catchy rhythms and melody on this track, A brief calming interlude at 3:00 eventually gives way to a sharp return of controlled chaos. "Morast" comes on like a marching horde off to conquer. Perhaps this could be the perfect song to accompany an adventure across many lands to spread their deadly intentions. The eighth song "Zur alten Taverne" has an inspiring melody that screams "Pagan Metal" in the beginning. I can picture flags raised with sights set on their foes. As with other songs on this album, there are lots of twists on this track to keep the listener involved. "Geisterheer vom Fichtelwald" has to be my favorite on this album. Inspiring simple melodies sit confidently on top of interesting rhythm guitars to make me want to join them on their crusade, Thorondir also know how to compose self-assured breaks within their songs that allow every other part to shine. This song is no different. "Perchtas Schatten" is the second to last song. The imagery in my mind is of creatures residing in darkened holes that threaten the army as they advance, Gnashing rotted teeth glisten in the dark among the bones of past kills of unsuspecting people that came their way, The final song, "Baldurs Ruf" starts with calming acoustic duel guitars. Distorted guitars return around 4:00, followed by the vocalists return. Possibly, this song reflects victorious contemplation. Weary warriors consider the hardship of their journey and speak of the songs and stories that will be spoken in their honor for generations to come.
If pagan metal is your thing, Thorondir embody everything that is excellent about this genre.
www.facebook.com/THORONDIRofficial
www.trollzorn.de
Release date: October 9th, 2025
Trollzorn Records
Thorondir is a Bavarian pagan metal band that got their start in 2007. The core part of the bands collective attention is reserved for attention to, "nature, myths, and the stories that continue to resonate with us today." They pride themselves in a diverse sound while staying true to what I believe would define a pagan metal sound. This often features various forms of metal mixed with slight folk elements. "Wächter des Waldes" will be there fourth album following,"Düsterwald" (2009), "Aus jenen Tagen" (2011) and "Des Wandrers Mär" (2019). Google translated to English, "Wächter des Waldes" means "Guardian Of The Forest". I believe such a title to being very fitting to the identity of the band.
The journey starts with the first track, "In der Tiefe des Waldes". As almost a call to war, it begins with a semi-ominous tone that works into piano and an intrinsic rally cry for future violent declarations. "Drudenfluch" hits hard after the initial introduction the album provides. A vicious scream and raw musical intensity summons all to mobilization. Melody is combined with a rapid vehemence throughout, and eventually subsides further in the song to finish off with a pact to withstand oncoming forces. The third song, "Blut und Ruhm" has an acoustic start that moves into galloping guitars that carry a very pagan metal vibe to them. It has an almost uplifting personality in its sound that is joined again by black metal rasps and the catchiness that the genre possesses. The chorus of the song is one that will stay in your head for sure with properly placed rhythms and vocals. "Rübezahl" I believe has the best start so far on, "Wächter des Waldes". A strong dual guitar combination of rhythm and melody transcends mundaneness with its ear catching quality. Again, the track features all the traits pagan metal enchants the listener with. A punishing memorability shrouded in victorious ambitions and metallic aggression. "Der wilde Jäger" continues the pillage. Standing out is the melodic break at 1:36. Also, the way that this section moves into the next section is wonderful. I enjoy the clearly defined parts that stand strongly on their own and also in the way that they meld with the others. "Bruder Hain" starts with a resting tone and battle inspired drums before venturing out in conquest. Savagery is powerfully met with catchy rhythms and melody on this track, A brief calming interlude at 3:00 eventually gives way to a sharp return of controlled chaos. "Morast" comes on like a marching horde off to conquer. Perhaps this could be the perfect song to accompany an adventure across many lands to spread their deadly intentions. The eighth song "Zur alten Taverne" has an inspiring melody that screams "Pagan Metal" in the beginning. I can picture flags raised with sights set on their foes. As with other songs on this album, there are lots of twists on this track to keep the listener involved. "Geisterheer vom Fichtelwald" has to be my favorite on this album. Inspiring simple melodies sit confidently on top of interesting rhythm guitars to make me want to join them on their crusade, Thorondir also know how to compose self-assured breaks within their songs that allow every other part to shine. This song is no different. "Perchtas Schatten" is the second to last song. The imagery in my mind is of creatures residing in darkened holes that threaten the army as they advance, Gnashing rotted teeth glisten in the dark among the bones of past kills of unsuspecting people that came their way, The final song, "Baldurs Ruf" starts with calming acoustic duel guitars. Distorted guitars return around 4:00, followed by the vocalists return. Possibly, this song reflects victorious contemplation. Weary warriors consider the hardship of their journey and speak of the songs and stories that will be spoken in their honor for generations to come.
If pagan metal is your thing, Thorondir embody everything that is excellent about this genre.
www.facebook.com/THORONDIRofficial
www.trollzorn.de