Palantyr – The Ascent & the Hunger (Triumphant Heavy Speed Metal)
I was like “that’s a weird album title” at first, until I realized this is something of a comp for what is this band’s new path of greatness. Previously under the moniker of Destrukt, France’s now-crowned Palantyr have moved away from the speed thrash direction of their earlier work into heavy speed, and in doing so, now that they have claimed their true birthright, they’ve donned the purple mantle of kingship to become our sovereign lords! Draw thy swords, yet again, prepare the hordes, for the evil armies of the abyss (or something) are coming, and down shall they fall to our blades!
Normally I don’t like comp-type stuff, but this is a might bit different. In taking their new name, Palantyr is stepping away from their former selves and into their bright, shining steel of a future, unsheathed and sharpened. The Ascent was actually a limited cassette release from French-born Woven Hoof Records, and here with bigger support coming from Jawbreaker Records, Palantyr are simultaneously showing their early steps forward and laying out the plan for what’s to come. The Hunger rounds out this mini-album as it consists of totally new material, including a cover of legend Paul Roland’s song “Nosferatu.” Now, I normally loathe covers, but damn, Palantyr not only sold me on their take, they may have convinced me it’s a good idea. It’s one of the most ripping tracks here, in fact. But Palantyr show they can do more than rework a classic in their own style, the songwriting of The Ascent & The Hunger excels in creating a sense of grandiose fantasy with all of its swordplay and creatures lurking in dark caverns. Truly a legend hath been born.
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
Palantyr – The Ascent & The Hunger
Jawbreaker Records, Woven Hoof Records (first part)
Cover Art: Flamberge Illustration
4.8 / 5
