Rozario – ‘Northern Crusaders’

(Pride & Joy Music)

‘Northern Crusaders’ is the second album from Scandinavian Melodic Metallers Rozario. I remember really enjoying their debut album ‘To The Gods We Swear’ but I think this follow up is a lot more immediate than its predecessor making me feel like it is a superior collection of songs. I think this album shows them in an extremely confident stance, with faith in their song writing and total comfort in their own style.

Rozario may be metal, but they are extremely melodic, whilst this does temper the metal aspect and soften the edges of the songs, it doesn’t make them lose that metallic power altogether. It’s power and force but with melody not aggression! ‘Northern Crusaders’ is very energetic and filled with thunderous rhythms and driving guitar riffs that will one hundred percent get fists raised and heads banging. The choruses are immense they fill the room with their bombast and demand you shout them back.

On production duties they have Trond Holter, and there are elements to Rozario’s sound which to me make this obvious. Elements of the sound make think of Holter and Wig Wam, especially in the guitar sound, but also in the impact of many of the choruses. They don’t sound like Wig Wam, they are not a good comparison, but there’s little nods to how that band sound and push a chorus that makes you realise Holter is in the mix. Given the highly melodic nature of the band’s song writing, he’s the perfect choice to help blend smooth melodies and impactful metal into something extremely catchy!

It’s a solid album so if the opening salvo of ‘Fire & Ice’ and ‘We Are One’ have you raising your horns, you’re going to absolutely adore this album. For me personally ‘Free Forever’ is the standout track, its massive smooth chorus is catchy as hell and gives me the tingles!

This is an easy album to recommend to fans of melodic metal as it is so catchy and powerful enough to leave an indelible mark on listeners. I think it is also commercial enough to appeal to softer rock fans especially those with a taste for heavier Melodic Hard Rock bands. ‘Northern Crusaders’ will definitely be enjoyed by fans of Hammerfall and Gloryhammer and their ilk, they probably have most in common with another new band Crowne – so if you’re a fan of them check this one out!

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Free Forever’

Review by Woody