Winglord – The Chosen One

I was fortunate indeed to receive both of Winglord’s full length albums on the same day. I spent nearly 3 weeks soaking up their debut, “Heroica”. An absolutely stunning work, to be sure. But then, that was 2010. What would the secong album, “The Chosen One”, from 2012 bring? The answer is simple. Greatness.

As I have said before, I found no fault with “Heroica”. I even found myself wondering what they could possibly have done better, more professionally, etc, on this newest effort. As hard as it may be to believe, it’s a combination of nearly everything. The opening song, “The Flame”, told me immediately what scope and epic I was about to be a part of:

“Divided….lacking of true leaders…
Darkness surrounded us, and Darkness
Was above, and below us…”

“And when all hope was lost…
Deep down in the midst of our being…
A flame appeared, in the darkness…
A beacon of light, shining – in white. ‘

“Come!
And let us once more fight – as one…
One Europe…
Under one God…
Fighting – as one sword.”

This album (to me) tells a story of a people longing for the rise and victory of a powerful leader/savior figure. Once found, they rally against the forces of Darkness, fighting and clawing their way through the bad times, in order to pave the way for a promised time of hope and prosperity. This album is incredibly powerful, both in the musical and lyrical aspects. Though the lyrical element is somewhat sparse, when it is used, the power is undeniable.

This album stands solid and epic all on it’s own. What I will say, is that because of my good fortune to hear “Heroica” first, it really made this new album even more special. It builds on what the debut puts forth, whilst adding extra of all the good elements as it goes. The instrumentation seems a bit more varied here, and the concept is flawlessly executed. Each track is a part of a greater whole, yet stands tall and proud in it’s own right.

I especially admire the use of choirs in this work. Not aimless choirs, or synths, but what seem to be REAL, human choir arrangements. I feel I have stated fact here, but I would be shocked if these were simply synth arrangements. I have always been a sucker for atmospheric neo-clssical excellence, and have not a single bad word about any of this. This is truly one of the best overall albums of this type that I have ever heard. The composer(s) are to be congratulated for their dedication, effort, and true talent.

I will end here, as there simply isn’t anything more to say, other than: Fans of Neo-classical, Modern Classical, Ethereal, Neo-Folk, and plain regular Classical…this is the album you’ve been waiting for!!

Rating: 5/5
Written by: Asche
Label: Arktos  (UK) / Format: CD

Tracklisting:

1. The Flame
2. The Chosen One
3. The World Is Changing
4. Muster The Minions
5. Descend And Rise
6. A New Reign
7. Dance Of The Victorious
8. Hunting Party
9. Building The Ships
10. For Lord And Land
11. Fanfare For Europe