Caladan Brood - Echoes of Battle (2013)^{Release ID: 12339}

I was looking forward to hearing this: an atmospheric black metal band that borrows from bands like Summoning with symphonic and Celtic flare in it as well. Too bad the album sounds terrible!

The guitars sound like they are being recorded in 8-bit; almost like what you would expect heavy metal to sound like if it was coming out of your NES. Actually, when the opening track, "City of Azure Fire" started and I heard those woodwinds for the first time, I had to do a double take because those woodwinds to me, were unmistakable. That is the same melody that plays during a game of Age of Empires II. It wasn't exactly the same, but it was really damn close.

This album is corny as hell and not in the good way. This is meant to be listened to with masks off and something real and authentic, but all I hear is a bunch of trolling. Not a good way to start your career.