#31 - Top of 2019

Gloryhammer - Legends from Beyond the Galactic Terrorvortex (Napalm Records)

Gloryhammer are back from the legendary plains of Scotland with their third full length album, a worthy continuation of their chaotic intergalactic saga (for the previous chapter see their Top 2015 entry). Between the catchy choruses of "The Siege of Dunkeld (In Hoots We Trust)", the imposing Rhapsody-like "The Land of Unicorns" and the keyboard-based "Power of the Laser Dragon Fire" reminiscent of Stratovarius, Angus McFife XIII, Crown Prince of Fife acts as a narrator of epic tales comprising the fictional history of Scotland! Of course, the album is also packed with memorable tracks like "Gloryhammer"which describes the Heavy Metal Darklord Crasher wielding history of the band and the quick-paced tongue-twister "Hootsforce" describing the fight for Fife! The closing track, "The Fires of Ancient Cosmic Destiny" is by far the more theatrical and symphonic song of this album spanning over 12 minutes and blending electronic with orchestral elements while providing a fitting closure to the interdimensional struggles of the brave prince of Fife against  Zargothrax, leaving us to wonder where will the next chapter to this story find Angus McFife and Gloryhammer?

93.6/100

Below is the music video for the song "Hootsforce".