Billed as “a musical constellation whose primary foundation rests on epic metal while drawing experimental influences from ancestral musical traditions of the North and spiritual guidance of its hermetic crafts”, Sweden’s Eldkraft’s debut Shaman has plenty to offer for those who like their metal big. And I don’t mean just “big”, I mean “big” with a capital “BIG”. To describe this as grand would be a gross understatement. Where to start? Well, the guitar sound is huge, of course. The palm-muted chugs, mammoth riffs, ball-breaking bass, and thundering drums are the size of Godzilla’s gonads during a particularly bad bout of elephantitis. Translated as firepower, Eldkraft’s moniker is probably the most apt name chosen by any band of late. With the kind of fire and brimstone-laced artillery that these guys pack, they look set to make a devastating impact. Or at least they would were it not for J. Sandin’s warbling theatrics clashing with the otherwise fine tracks on offer.Continue reading →