International Power-Deathcore outfit DRAGONCORPSE has finally released their much anticipated EPThe Drakketh Saga.
The EP opens up with the song "Sunlover" which features Brojob vocalist Jacob Wallace. The song does a decent job flowing between the soaring, operatic cleans of vocalist Mardy Leith and the crushing, percussive lows of Jacob Wallace. There's some switches between upbeat power metal instrumentals and the more heavy sections but in contrast to the other songs I feel it struggles a bit with being a bit jarring between the change ups. The highlight of Sunlover is definitely the chorus though and that alone makes it a stellar song in my eyes, albeit with some minor issues.
Next is honestly some of my favorite parts of this EP, the interludes. They're all done in this manipulated deep voice the sometimes drops into a growl with these pretty sick orchestral parts under it, definitely adds to the corny and cheesy power metal vibe.
The next song is honestly probably my favorite of DRAGONCORPSE "Blood and Stones" first of all it's pretty fast and relentless, it does a stellar job of bridging the gap between power metal and deathcore and I can't help but get the little "blood in, blood out" chant stuck in my head.
After that there's another interlude followed by the song "Terror Eternal" which I could say pretty much all I already said about "Blood and Stones" but it does also feature the Jesse Lindskog of notable power metal act Dragonland. This track is also followed by an interlude.
Next is "From the Sky" which I pretty much have the same opinion on as the previous two tracks but this being their debut single and in my opinion having the most catchy chorus on this EP is definitely notable, an absolutely stellar song which turned me onto this project to begin with.
The final track is Undying. The track has two vocal features from the winners of the vocal contest DRAGONCORPSE hosted, both of which do a stellar job on their parts. Once again, Mardy Leith delivers a catchy hook and Kris Chayer provides amazing guitar playing.
Overall a really solid release that combines two genres you wouldn't expect to work together. I give this EP an 8.5/10
You can keep up with the band as well as listen to the entire EP stream below.
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-Ryan English
