Metal bands love to use names from Tolkien’s universe. No news about it. The news is that the name rang a bell and I went to check it out to see what it means. The Morgul-knife was a short blade carried by the Witch-king of Angmar during the Third Age, and used to stab Frodo Baggins at the ancient watch-tower of Weathertop. This scene I remember pretty well. Remarkable. Also remarkable is the music the fan will find in “Fell Sorcery Abounds” with a hint of the 1990s. Not to say that album opener “He Who Sits Upon the Black Throne of Angmar / The Morgul Blade” is about it.
“Fell Sorcery Abounds” got me by the guts. The album has many passages that overflow in emotion and catchy guitar riffing and choruses without sugaring them. The first time I heard the album I didn’t notice the folk grip the band gets in “Oak in the Breeze” which kind of reminds the mooding of the books they honor. By the way, can anyone explain to me why there are no Metal bands in the soundtrack of the films? What a shame! For starters, this album would fit like a glove in all of them. It’s very nice the voice duets the band does around the album. Instrumentals are also pretty variable and full of touching melodies. Take a look at “The Beacons Must Be lit” and the wondrous vocal duet.
The mix Morgul Blade do here in “Fell Sorcery Abounds” is really impressive. The band is capable of having so many Metal influences that is very hard to tell you one by one. But believe me, the outcome is very good. The songs are not only catchy but have a power that not many bands have today. The guitars also have a duet with the voice once in a while or, even beter, they follow them or respond to the call. “Fell Sorcery Abounds” is an album that will impress my dear child of the night and make you all ask why there is no Metal band in the soundtrack of Lord of Ring franchise. I expect an answer.
Morgul Blade “Fell Sorcery Abounds” was released on November 26th via No Remorse Records.
Track Listing:
- He Who Sits Upon the Black Throne of Angmar / The Morgul Blade
- A Last Waltz of Gevaudan
- In the Grip of the Dark Lord
- Sons of the Night
- Oak in the Mist
- The Five Will Ride at Dawn
- The Beacons Must Be Lit!
- Blood Has Been Spilled This Night
- Fell Sorcery Abounds
Watch “A Last Waltz of Gevaudan” official video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!