ORION’S REIGN – Scores Of War

Orion’s Reign brings the bombast with their second album Scores Of War, a Symphonic Metal release of appropriately epic proportions that features a full orchestra, choirs, and the special guest talents of Metal veterans Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth), Bob Katsionis (Firewind), and Mark Boals (Malmsteen). Pretty much all the elements (minus all the guest stars) are there from the very first song “Elder Blood”, which has one of the most majestic screams you’ll ever hear on record after a capering flute solo. There’s quite a bit going on in this first cut; orchestra, choir, and the band themselves are in full flourish. “Together We March” takes a similarly martial stance, adding Ripper to the mix. “The Gravewalker” takes the pace down a couple notches but has a few more of lead vocalist Dan Vasconces’s impressive shrieks to liven things up.

Next up is “The Undefeated Gaul”, a rapid-fire blaster that is the lead single from the record, followed by “An Adventure Song” which blends traditional folk instruments with the symphonic and electronic elements to provide one of the more unique songs of the album. Minniva Børresen lends her ethereal vocal talents to “Nostos”, giving the number a softer and distinctly Leaves’ Eyes-esque vibe.

Overall, Orion’s Reign does a great job of varying the song structures enough to strengthen rather than undermine the emotional draw of the album; they shift effortlessly from the beautiful choral piece at the end of “Withering Heart” to the hard-charging “Last Stand”. The stylistic shifts help make Scores Of War one of the best Symphonic Metal albums of the year.

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