Ryghär - Thurmecia Eternal

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When the label ‘Power Metal’ comes into debate, many still defend that the genre was born in Germany, by the hands of HELLOWEEN during the ages of “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I”. It’s a gross mistake, and the right answer is that such label was used on early days of the 80’s North American scene to define the generation of METALLICA, EXODUS, OMEN, JAG PANZER, SAVATAGE, or in other words, those bands that had a harder and more aggressive music (based on what JUDAS PRIEST preached on their era between “Sad Wings of Destiny” and “British Steel”), with a good dose of catchy melodies and choruses (inheritances of what BLUE OYSTER CULT, RIOT and others left), and refined technical approach. So be careful when using such label.

With such explanation done, it’s easier to define what is heard on “Thurmecia Eternal”, the first album of the North American quintet RYGHÄR. Musically, they’re a traditional Heavy Metal band in the usual form of the USA Heavy Metal School, enriched by many melodies inherited from Hard Rock from the 70’s. Sometimes it’s similar to a blend between RAINBOW on Dio’s years with what MANOWAR did between “Battle Hymns” and “Sign of the Hammer”, and with some elements used by VIRGIN STEEL and CIRITH UNGOL on the past. It’s really good to hear, with very good melodies and choruses, but the band must sharp their musical efforts, because they have potential to make a stronger and better musical work. As a first release, it’s good, but the band must take this tip seriously.

The production is really the weak spot of “Thurmecia Eternal”. It’s done in a way to be simple and organic, but the tunes could be better defined (the ones for bass guitar and for the guitars are not as good as they could be). You can understand what’s being played, but the instruments are really poor tuned, and the vocals must be worked in a better way as well (it’s not a matter of changing the vocalist, Ryghär has a good voice, but must work it better, just it).

But they show talent in songs as “Cair Vasturhaf a Flaming Sunset on the Parapets of the King of the West” (very good melodies, and if bass guitar and drums could have a better sonority, the result could be great), “A Desperate Plan on the Field of Battle” (fine keyboards arrangements, without a neoclassical approach so usual today), “A Baleful Wind Cries Above the Ziggurat Esoternium” (a heavier song, with excellent catchy melodies, based on a combination of riffs with keyboards), “Hammers in the Halls of the Deep” (another heavy song based on a slow set of tempos, increasing the weight and showing very good keyboards parts), and “The Witching Blade” (very good melodies inherited from Hard Rock can be heard, with good guitar riffs and solos). But, as said above, they can do a musical even better than shown on the album.

For now, “Thurmecia Eternal” is a good release, so welcome RYGHÄR, and I hope as you develop better your music, and have a better production in the future, and will be a great name in the Heavy/Power Metal scene.

Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 6
Production: 5