Too long has it been since I’ve been fortunate enough to come across any singular body of work that manages to adequately merge the realms of folk and power metal into a cohesive performance that maximizes the potential of both styles. Likely not since the debut from the likes of Lör have I seen it done in any meaningful capacity with both styles individually already having a hard time to throw anything interesting across my radar, but perhaps that’s just me. A quality creation of both styles in one package is something that I might be lucky enough to come across once a year even as both styles individually only tend to stun maybe a handful of times in any given year. Today, though, I wasn’t ready for what was waiting for me as The Privateer didn’t just build upon twelve years of experience, but they blow much of the competition right out of the damn water!

While I would forgive anyone who sees such a cover art as another random band hopefully to scrape the barrel and find themselves getting some of the audience from the likes of Alestorm with the similar imagery not hard to be seen, I spit in the face of those who would dare think that The Privateer is anything other than its own force to be reckoned with in every way. Drawing upon much of what has always made both the realms of folk and power metal treats to begin with sicne their inception, “Kingdom of Exiles” pulls out all the stops to craft a real experience filled with adventure, heart, melodic intoxication, and wonder on a scale that only a supremely executed record of this kind could ever hope to bring to life properly. In any given track, The Privateer makes sure that we’re presented with an awesome display of instrumentation the likes of which can only come from the most competent of folk metal while the undeniable melodies and energy serves as power metal’s contribution to the mix while both lend towards the fantastical backdrop that truly allows “Kingdom of Exiles” to become a riveting experience that has so much to offer. Few record are able to really tap into that sense of adventure and wanderlust that many associate with albums of this kind, yet it’s between the ripping solos, soaring melodies, and untouchable sense of musicianship that The Privateer has done more than throw down another album. They’ve crafted a real journey that must be experienced and enjoyed to the fullest.

I don’t care how long it will be before another creation from this crossing of styles comes my way again, The Privateer has made a creation so delectable and so powerful that it will have a key spot in my listening habits not just for the next while, but years from now. Everything that came into place to make “Kingdom of Exiles” such a delicious effort from beginning to end is what dreams are made out of in this particular corner of metal with the final result no less than viciously salivating.

LISTEN to “Kingdom of Exiles” via YouTube here.

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