Search - Olympos Mons :: Medievil

Sheer brilliance

Kevin J. Lindahl | 01/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I bought "Conquistador", the first CD by the Finnish band Olympos Mons, I didn't know what to expect. I had read several webzine reviews telling that it's one of the finest power metal albums ever made. Being a fan of Symphony X, Edguy and (early) Rhapsody, I decided to give it a try. Quite right! Great metal songs, top-notch production and accomplished musicianship!



Therefore, I didn't hesitate over buying their second CD "Medievil". Much to my delight, it continues in the same spirit as "Conquistador". To my mind, "Medievil" is a bit heavier, the riffs are bigger, while the sound of the debut was more polished. If you don't know why power metal is called POWER metal, then listen to this!



Once again, the album consists of killer songs from the start till the end, not one bad song! It's difficult to pick a favorite, but since I'm a fan of long, epic songs, I have to go for "Locked in Chains", which ends the album in a magnificent and fateful manner. Other highlights are "Kingdom of Winter", "Fire and Ice" and the title-song. However, all songs have one thing in common: strong and beautiful melodies. Already evident on "Conquistador", this has really become a trademark of Olympos Mons.



Many metal bands suffer from mediocre vocals - yet, this is not the case with Olympos Mons. Ian E. Highhill has a strong and controlled voice, he easily hits those high notes that is a must in every true power metal band, and what is more, you can actually catch the words!



Which brings us to another strong point. As the debut, "Medievil" deals with historical and classical themes, wrapped up in a romantic atmosphere due to Ian E. Highhill's skilful lyrics. Among other things, we hear the story of Ceasar's return to Rome, another of slaves brought over the ocean, and a majestic description of the brutality that occurred in medieval times. It amazes me how well this band manages to capture the theme of the lyrics in the nature and arrangements of the songs.



All in all, I am mightily impressed by this band. If you like the established bands in power metal, like Symphony X and Kamelot, you should acquaint yourself with Olympos Mons. One day they will play in the same league. They already should!



Highly recommended.

"

Just when I thought they couldn't get better....

John Milton | 10/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Oh, have I waited for this album! It's been like three years or something since "Conquistador was released? Still "Medievil" was definitely worth the wait! First I have to say the cover is awesome. It gives you the right mood even before you hear the music, JP Fournier has really outdone himself this time. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Out from my loudspeakers thunders the intro to the record, a nice little symphony, not too long and not too short, just a little teaser to get you in the mood. Then the first track "One word" explodes right in my face, such power, such energy even spiced with a little rougher edge to the sound this time. "Frozen" is Power Metal at its best, speed, power and divine melodies from beginning to end. "The emperor's return" takes you back to the time of the Roman empire with battle trumpets and powerful arrangements. "The price" gives me visions of the highlands or Ireland, simply great. "Wolves" with it's spooky mood, gives me the chills in a positive way off course. "A race between two hearts" has little of a trash feeling to the vocals but there is still this wonderful chorus that takes us back to Power metal again. Now for the first time Olympos Mons also gets a chanse to show us that they can do ballads as well as hard stuff. "Fire and ice" is a really great power ballad with just enough spark in it to keep the cheese factor away. The title track "Medievil" is like a perfect soundtrack to that beautiful cover art, dark and medieval. The "Kingdom of winter" is like a story told around campfires in ancient times - a masterpiece. The closing song "Locked in chains" will not dissapoint you either. Again they have succeeded to bring out that mystic atmosphere that is beginning to be their trademark. This band will go far, there is no doubt in my mind about that, this is definitely a record worth buying!!!

"