19th November 2024

Review: “Watcher’s Spire” by Lost Citadel

Generating sparks in a broadsword fight to the death between their influences in Traditional Heavy Metal and Power Metal are London quintet Lost Citadel. Citing influences including Visigoth, Orden Ogan and Bloodbound they have created a debut EP in “Watcher’s Spire” which explores the concept of divination in a high fantasy setting. Adorned by artwork from Mark Erskine, their plan is to create something both intricate and muscular at the same time, a Venus de Milo capable of boxing in a featherweight division perhaps…

When it comes to this style of music what is essential is good storytelling both lyrically and in its delivery and fortunately for the discerning listener those are two qualities which vocalist and keyboard player Daniel Leons-Marder has in spades. That’s something that becomes apparent with the first verse of “Ambria“, a lively tune with the welcoming appeal of a hot cup of coffee from a hot coffee cup. What sets the sound apart is that there is a nice crunch to the guitar sound, the metaphorical equivalent of autumn leaves beneath the feet, although the “Whoa!” moments might make you believe the band are going to fly into “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Fortunately that isn’t the case and the same can be said of “The Bad Necromancer“, a title which brings a rye smile if an over active imagination makes you think of a Power Metal cover of a certain Lady Gaga track. Instead a tale with hints of the works of Ronnie James Dio rears its ugly head with powerful kit work from Kerryan Dawson whose jackhammer footwork gives it a heavier edge, the rhythm section having a particularly strong backbone. The leads and soloing are both sumptuous and tasteful, the band skilfully avoiding the trappings of going over the top with needless flamboyance so the song retains its soul. Arguably the most captivating of this unholy trinity is “Embers of Conquest“, a cut which effortlessly surpasses six minutes with fervour. Some higher pitched vocal moments from Leons-Marder take a little getting used to but after a couple of spins you’ll find yourself singing along to them, the majestic duelling of the lead guitars of John Evered and Aaron Sharma in the solo being the big draw. For a debut EP “Watcher’s Spire” is accomplished, Lost Citadel having a well defined sound that has plenty of room for growth in years to come [7/10]

Track Listing