Lords of the Trident - The Offering

Lords of the Trident

The Offering

by Kevin Lewis at 28 March 2022, 7:23 AM

LORDS OF THE TRIDENT is an American Heavy/Progressive Metal band from Madison, Wisconsin. Formed in 2008, they have created a backstory of legendary proportions. They wear armor, they tell tales, and they give their fans a show worthy of being called a performance. “The Offering” is their seventh full-length album, and it was released independently on April 1, 2022.

Known for telling epic tales, this is no different. “Legend” opens with some gentle harp music. The same phrase is used for the guitar riff, which basically runs over the harp, backs up, then crushes it again. The rhythm is just as tasty. Cool leads over the riff give the song extra flavor. The rhythm chugs along, propelling the tune forward, driving like a maniac. This is the start of the tale and they even let you know this is a popular tale by telling you “Over and over and over the story is told.” Keep listening, it’s only going to get bigger and better.

“Acolyte” and “Charlatan” are great examples of their ultra-fast guitar work. The riffs may be heavy, but the lead work is a combination of shreddy and delicate. The drums shift from frenetic to finesse in a heartbeat and the bass is usually running pace with the guitar, showing an ability to not just maintain a pace, but to keep that pace even when the guitarists have to take turns soloing because the bass wore them out. Non-stop action from all the instruments is a key to the LORDS OF THE TRIDENT sound.

The next song we have to talk about is “The Offering to The Void.” This chugging riff is slower, and so good. The song is almost sludgy compared to much of the rest of the record. DO not worry, the song will hit all the epic goalposts to make sure you get enough metal. This tune is big and bold and epic in every way. The thundering bass, the galloping drums, the intricate guitars and the soaring vocals all equate to killer Power Progressive Metal.

To help shift the story, “The Invitation” is a short instrumental that allows for a transition by giving you a guitar and piano interlude that leads into “Dance of Control.” Those piano tones continue throughout this song, adding another layer of sound into the mix. As if the story and sound was not big enough, here is more. It’s a nice touch, adding that extra little piece in to make sure the song stands out.

Completing the tale is the epic “Heart of Ashes.” With plenty of progressive shifts, this is the requisite song on any good Power Metal record. It’s the wrap-up of the story, the end of the journey. The music comes around full-circle and finishes the tale. To make this song more epic, they add keys and strings. These excellent additions to the music give the story more of a cinematic feel.

One of the best things about music like this is you can dig into the lyrics and create your own movie in your head. Just close your eyes and let the music transport you to another place, an alternate world, where the story will wrap you in its loving arms and give you an epic escape from the doldrum world. This is an hour of your life that can be lived in a fantasy. There is no need to worry about the job or the bills, just go to the land that LORDS OF THE TRIDENT so beautifully crafted for you.

The shredding guitars, the soaring vocals, the thundering bass, and the powerful drums all work together to create a soundscape that allow the listener to just float along on metal storm cloud that you know will get you to your happy place. Once there, nothing matters but the bliss you feel while wrapped in a cloak of Power Metal riffs and rhythms. Life will never be better than when on this epic journey.

Songwriting:  10
Musicianship:  10
Memorability:  10
Production:  10