Scandinavian classic traditional metal usually guarantee quality. If the outfit hails from Denmark, even more. This band already released a debut album five years ago, but since have been a lot of changes in PECTORA, and for good. Musically the group tightened their sound and changed lead singer for the soaring, powerful Bruce Dickinson-like vocals of Philip Butler (ex Cruelty’s Heart). Butler’s range certainly provides PECTORA with different sonic capabilities resulting in “Twilight Knights“, the band’s punchy new effort.
Melodic metal with a bright sound, sharp guitars and polished production is the name game here, so if 220 Volt, the very first Pretty Maids, Tokyo Blade, Judas, Dio, etc, is your thing, “Twilight Knights” will please you – all served with an updated production but the classic sound in mind.
The scene is set with sci-fi effects and synth atmospheres during opener “Celestial Signal”, an instrumental track that builds from clanging percussion to a crescendo of flowing keyboard notes, increasingly underpinned by atmospheric drones.
The transition from ”Celestial Signal” into the bombastic title track is flawless. It could quite easily be a theme tune for a superhero show. There is the right amount of power and might withing this track with a slower part to allow time to reflect. The lively paced verses are bolstered by Butler’s impressive Bruce Dickinson-like power before the album’s most memorable chorus comes to the fore. This exhilarating and force is also enhanced by a middle eight that momentarily drops the pace, before providing a scintillating dual guitar solo from maestros axemen Morten S. Nielsen & Søren Weiss. A breathtaking title track to kickstart the album.
”Cold Void” is much heavier. I wouldn’t be surprised if head bangers and air guitarists are already rejoicing at the pounding riffs and slick solos this track has to offer.
Imagine Metallic classic ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and Deep Purple belter ‘Black Night’ somehow merged together, ”Victory In Defeat” will give you a rough idea on what that will sound like. The full-on blitzkrieg of dual guitar riffage also recalls ’80s era Judas Priest, while Butler’s impressive vocal range comes to the fore again, this tiem with some Geoff Tate’s drama.
Looking for a track that makes you want to headbang and shake your hips at the same time? ”Cosmic Menace” has got you covered. Due to the perfect mix of pounding rhythms and soaring vocals, I wouldn’t be surprised if you have trouble deciding which action to do. It’s the most commercial track on the album despite the dark lyrics, musically more hard rock than metal. A highlight.
Next PECTORA show their versatility with “Children of the Atom”, adding to the classic metal sound a bit of ’80s thrash, not losing melody. This one gives the record more energy to contrast with its predecessor.
My first thoughts when I heard ”Where Everything Begins” were – is this a sequel to Holy Diver? This is due to the very similar iconic melody and the same powerful vibes it gives off. It doesn’t sound too similar that you couldn’t tell them apart. If this was part of a tale, this would be the part where the protagonist reflects before moving to the next part of the journey. There’s something of a Queensryche atmospheres here as well. It’s an empowering track that a lot of us will need to hear.
”On Forlorn Wings” isn’t your average album closer. It is one that requires your undivided attention, there is so much wonder in this track, and you don’t want to miss these. If Blackmore’s Rainbow and Kamelot had created a track together, this would what it would sound like.
Begins with something like AOR showcasing Butler’s acrobatic vocal range and provides a suitable way for the song to unfurl its captivating glory. A soaring, memorable chorus (that is matched only by the title track) ensures that this ambitious heavy metal epic tugs at the heartstrings and creates a strong sense of drama. Beautifully done and never feeling overwrought despite its near nine-minute length, it is a fitting way to round off proceedings.
”Twilight Knights” feels like a real statement of intent and a definite step up for PECTORA. Songs like the title track and epic closer get better with each new play. Indeed, the whole album rewards repeat exposure, which nurtures an appreciation of their ability to craft classic sounding metal with liberal dashes of epic, aggression, and melancholy.
The hefty forty-nine-minute runtime across eight main songs and a short instrumental initially seemed excessive but ultimately their brand of bombastic heavy metal won me over. While some shine more brightly than others, ”Twilight Knights” glitters with songs that will captivate classic metal enthusiasts.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. A Celestial Signal
02. Twilight Knights
03. Cold Void
04. Victory in Defeat
05. Cosmic Menace
06. Children Of the Atom
07. Where Everything Begins
08. A Race Through The Dark
09. On Forlorn Wings
Pectora – Twilight Knights 2024
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