Dragonlord — Rapture

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

On July 17th, 2001 Dragonlord, lead by Testament guitarist Eric Peterson, released their debut full-length studio album, “Rapture” via Spitfire Records.

The Wells Perspective:

Though essentially a Black Metal album, much of Eric Peterson's Thrash roots can still be heard, likening the sound that to the faster Thrash style on Testament's "The Gathering" album mixed with Symphonic Black Metal.

This is also the first time Peterson attempted vocals on any recordings. The album also features Steve Smyth (Guitars - Testament, Nevermore, One Machine), Lyle Livingston (Keyboards - Enthroned), Steve DiGiorgio (Bass - Sadus, Death, Iced Earth, Testament), and Jon Allen (Drums - Sadus).

The music on “Rapture” can best described as "Blackened Symphonic Thrash". Meaning, that it is as equally influenced by Symphonic Black Metal as it is by Peterson’s Thrash Metal roots. Albeit, the vocals and lyrics have that signature raspy, high pitched wailing more akin to Black Metal. Yet, the keyboards in the arrangements give the songs a touch of that Symphonic Black Metal aura.

Even though Dragonlord’s roots are in Thrash Metal, the songs on “Rapture” also include elements of Power Metal and Melodic Death Metal. In Lamen’s terms, "Rapture," adds Testament's technical riffs, throws in some Black Metal vocals, and a pinch of Symphonic Black Metal — and voilà — you have the essence of Dragonlord!

Following the atmospheric album opener, "Vals De La Muerte", the album blasts into the furious "Unholyvoid," complete with blistering riffs and Peterson’s high pitched, raspy wails. Symphonic elements are added, with keys giving it an orchestral feel; but they take a back seat to the blistering riffs of Peterson and Smyth. The guitarists go back and forth, with their twin-guitar attack and rip-roaring solos.

The end of "Unholyvoid” bleeds directly into the beginning of “Tradition And Fire”. The song then tears into a mosh pit inducing Thrash-fest, wrapped by a classic Symphonic Black Metal bent in the realm of old-school Cradle Of Filth or Dimmu Borgir.

"Born To Darkness" is another “bang your head against the stage” Thrasher that features a Symphonic intro and clean vocals, followed by “Judgment Failed”, which sees the band return to its full-blown Thrash Metal roots. While "Judgment Failed” is another root bound track, it is also contains a touch of Symphonic bliss.

Next up is "Wolfhunt," which will shred the listener's eardrums with its jarring pick scrapes, ultra-fast riffs, and pounding blast beats. "Spirits In The Mist" is another track that gets “caught in the mosh”, but, its warp speed riffs banshee wail vocals bring it back into the Black Metal foray.

The album comes to its fiery conclusion with "Rapture," which is accentuated by a swirly, ambient solo section.

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

▶ Listen to “Rapture” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/rapture/262518737

▶ Listen to “Rapture” via Spotify: Rapture

▶ Follow the Official Dragonlord fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enterthedragonlord?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Note: Any reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

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Dragonlord — Rapture

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