The very premise of power metal is more than enough to get my attention and quicken my heartbeat given the raw potential of its themes and settings that always tickle the imagination to no end. Unfortunately for me, my experience with the style has been less than stellar. Despite the wild potential that is always possible should a band simply seize the opportunity, we can almost always be guaranteed a massive experience that as melodically captivating as it is epic. Far too many set out with a sound that is disappointingly stale despite the absolute freedom they have to really make something stand out, but only a few in my experience are able to properly capitalize on that potential. Battle Born was instantly a name that set itself apart as one that was sure to succeed where others failed, and that is precisely what happened here with their bombastic first full-length album.

With the members of Battle Born already having an incredibly talented collective experience elsewhere in the world of metal, it is tempting to say that we were all but assured a damn good time whenever this band would actually put out new material. Yet, those things aren’t always guaranteed, so it has been in the three years since their eponymous debut EP that I found myself somewhat concerned about the potential of the band in the future, but only one track into “Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel” that any and all doubts should immediately wash away once you realize the kind of true power metal performance that is on full display at all times in these eleven ferocious tracks. The very potential of what power metal has always been capable of comes alive in every minute of this creation as Battle Born not only knows precisely what they were going for as they crafted the record, they knew precisely how to bring it to life in a dazzling form that’s complete with flames of all colors, clashing steel, fantastical quests, and an attitude that is only matched by their unyielding approach to a sound that isn’t done nearly enough justice these days. Absolutely overflowing with enough riffs, passion, diversity, and magic to capture the hearts and minds of those who find themselves before the undeniable power of Battle Born, “Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel” quickly becomes a wildly invigorating journey that tells of dragons, heartbreak, and fantasy lands new and familiar with sights to see and quests to complete; this is what power metal was truly made for!

The road for Battle Born is sure to have more than enough room for improvement even as these musicians continue their works in other bands in different styles, but any one of us would be remiss to even dare insinuate that what’s been done here is anything short of a raging success. For all that was brought to the table and the potential that was laid forth in that initial EP three years ago, “Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel” stands tall as a record that is not to be denied for all the glory that it offers and represents.

“Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel” releases on May 12th via Prosthetic Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Blood, Fire, Magic and Steel on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Battle Born on Facebook here.