VALHALORE – Beyond The Stars
Review by: Shell Dahlia (Shell Instagram – @Shell_Dahlia)
Review Score: 9
Prepare to be taken on a journey ‘Beyond the Stars’ through space and time by six talented musicians from Australia, who are known as ‘VALHALORE.’ This newest addition to their discography will transport listeners back to a time where people would rely on the art of song rather than social media platforms to relay important information. Their perfect combination of folk, death, power and symphonic style metal will keep you locked into each story that is told from start to finish.
These Australian masters of their crafts have managed to capture the hearts of thousands of metal fans locally and internationally in quite a small amount of time. Their first album ‘Voyage Into Eternity’ which was released in 2017 which was followed by an EP release ‘Solace and Solitude’ (2018) These two releases lured crowds into their live performances which, not so unlike medieval times, the word was passed on about their electrifying live shows where its impossible to not lose yourself in the uplifting energy of the band and the crowd. Their ability to take their live performances to such heights landed them tours with some heavy hitters such as ‘ALESTORM’ and ‘ARCH ENEMY,’ selling out shows across Australia. ‘Beyond The Stars’ is a sure sign that the momentum of their fast growing success is far from slowing.
The opening track ‘Life’ immediately places you in a euphoric state of reflection, initially quite sorrowful which then turns into a beautiful sadness with piano notes effortlessly carrying the song to the next level. It then continues to build incrementally with the addition of flute, galloping riffs and earth trembling blast beats. This is the perfect preparation for the journey that lies ahead.
Each track showcases the band’s ability to maximise emotional highs and lows by intertwining folk and metal music, never leaving the listener stagnant. Expect to be guided through the emotions of each narrative by a montage of various instruments. The band incorporates guitars, cello, mandolin, various wind instruments drums, bass, empowering clean vocals and a range of different style gutturals in a way that feels so natural. You are able to step off the emotional roller coaster momentarily with the addition of a few magical musical pieces oozing ambiance, strategically placed throughout the album. ‘VALHALORE’ creates a world of fantasy for listeners with fun melodies inspired by folk music, this gives the band an advantageous edge in the Australian metal scene and also makes it extremely refreshing. Although ‘Beyond The Stars’ captures the sound of 17th century folk music, their lyrics explore current heartbreak and themes of modern society making it relatable and even more appealing.
If you’re looking for an album that will send your imagination wild, heighten your emotions and a triumphant hand in the air, ‘Beyond The Stars’ is a journey that you must embark on. I absolutely can’t get enough of this album and from me, gets a well deserved rating. I can’t wait to see these Aussie metal legends take the world by storm.
TRACKLISTING:
01 – Life
02 – Edge Of Forever
03 – The Storm
04 – Within The Fire
05 – Dusk
06 – Wayfinder
07 – Dawn
08 – Horizon
09 – The World Between
10 – Aether
11 – Heart Of The Sea (feat. Anna Murphy)
12 – A Walk Among The Stars
VALHALORE is:
Anthony Willis – Guitars
Lachlan Neate – Vocals, Cello, Mandolin
Sophie Christensen – Wind instruments
Morgan Cox – Drums
Lucas Fisher – Guitars, Vocals
Joseph Dipisa-Fiorenza – Bass