Vandor – ‘The Ember Eye Part 2: The Portal Of Truth’

(DragonForged Records)

Vandor’s The Ember Eye Part 2: The Portal Of Truth lands like a broadsword swing from the North, and if you’ve been waiting for a modern power metal album that remembers why the genre made you feel ten feet tall in the first place, this one’s got your name carved into the hilt. Hailing from Sweden, because of course they do, Vandor continue their fantasy-laced saga with an album that’s bigger, brighter, and bolder than its predecessor, but crucially, never forgets to have fun along the way.

Right out of the gate, the record makes its mission clear: this is classic-minded power metal with a contemporary punch. The production is crisp without being sterile, allowing the guitars to gleam, the bass to rumble with intent, and the drums to drive everything forward with heroic purpose. There’s a confidence here that suggests a band fully aware of who they are and what they do well. No genre tourism, no half-hearted experimentation, just swords up, banners flying.

The songwriting is where The Portal Of Truth really earns its keep. Vandor understand that power metal lives and dies by memorable hooks, and this album is stacked with them. Choruses arrive fully formed, begging to be sung at full volume, whether you’re in a packed venue or alone in your car pretending the steering wheel is a crowd. The riffs are sharp and energetic, often leaning into that galloping rhythm Sweden has practically trademarked, while the leads soar with melodic clarity rather than pointless shred-for-shred’s-sake excess.

Vocally Vide Bjerde’s performance is a standout. The vocals strike that sweet spot between theatrical and grounded without tipping into parody. There’s real emotion behind the delivery, which helps sell the album’s narrative arc. Even if you’re not following every lore detail of the Ember Eye saga, you feel the stakes. This is power metal doing what it does best: turning abstract concepts like destiny, truth, and inner strength into fist-pumping anthems.

One of the album’s greatest strengths is its pacing. At around the album’s midpoint, Vandor wisely shift gears, introducing more mid-tempo tracks that allow the melodies to breathe and the story to deepen. These moments add weight and contrast, preventing the record from becoming a blur of double-kicks and key changes. When the faster tracks return, they hit even harder because of it. It’s a classic trick, but one many bands forget to use.

Lyrically, yes, we’re firmly in fantasy territory, portals, trials, inner awakenings but it’s handled with sincerity rather than cheese. There’s a sense that these songs are about more than just imaginary realms. Themes of self-discovery, confronting uncomfortable truths, and choosing your own path resonate beneath the surface. It’s the kind of album where you can enjoy the escapism while still finding something surprisingly relatable if you look a little closer.

Musically, there are nods to the greats –Helloween’s melodic optimism, Blind Guardian’s epic storytelling, even flashes of early HammerFall swagger but Vandor never feel like a tribute act. Their identity comes through in the way they blend melody with muscle, and in how tightly the band plays together. This is a group locked in, sounding like they trust each other completely, which translates into an album that feels unified and purposeful.

As the record pushes toward its finale, the sense of climax is undeniable. The final tracks feel earned, wrapping the album’s themes and musical ideas into a satisfying conclusion that leaves the door open for whatever comes next in the Ember Eye saga. Importantly, it also leaves you wanting to hit repeat, not because you missed something, but because the journey was just that enjoyable.

‘Turn To The Light’ kicks off  the album with purpose. A classic power metal opener built on a galloping rhythm and a huge, uplifting chorus, this track sets the tone immediately. It’s heroic, melodic, and confident, Vandor planting their flag and daring you not to sing along by the second listen.

‘Another Life’ is fast, punchy, and packed with hooks, it leans into speed without sacrificing melody. The riffing is sharp and energetic, while the chorus has that unmistakable Scandinavian glow. It feels like a road anthem for warriors chasing destiny at full throttle.

‘Why Do I Remember Me?’ – here the band adds a touch of introspection. The tempo pulls back slightly, letting emotion seep through the vocals. The song balances power and vulnerability, proving Vandor can deliver thoughtful songwriting without losing the album’s epic momentum.

‘Portal Of Truth’ features grand melodies, dramatic shifts, and a sense of narrative weight make this one of the album’s highlights. It’s cinematic power metal done right, with a chorus that feels designed for festival crowds and raised fists.

Darker in tone, ‘Disease’ introduces heavier riffs and a more aggressive edge. The groove-driven verses contrast nicely with a melodic, almost defiant chorus. It’s a reminder that Vandor can bring grit to their sound without abandoning their melodic core.

‘The Unhinged Shadow’ leans into atmosphere and tension. The riffs feel sharper, the vocals more urgent, and the overall mood more ominous. It’s a great example of how the band uses dynamics to keep the album engaging from start to finish.

‘Last One Of My Kind’ is an anthem through and through. The chorus hits hard with themes of isolation and perseverance, wrapped in soaring melodies. It’s emotional power metal that hits both the heart and the neck muscles – prime singalong material with real weight behind it.

‘Further From The Light’ is melancholic but still driving, this song explores darker emotional territory. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the melodies to breathe. It adds depth to the album and reinforces the ongoing narrative of struggle and self-discovery.

‘One With The Night’ brings back speed and swagger. Catchy riffs and a confident vocal delivery make it one of the most immediately infectious songs on the record. It’s energetic, fun, and unapologetically power metal.

‘Storm In My Heart’ closes the album on an emotional high note. It feels reflective and triumphant at the same time, wrapping up the journey with strong melodies and a sense of resolution. A fitting finale that leaves a lasting impression.

In the grand scheme of modern power metal, The Ember Eye Part 2: The Portal Of Truth doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—and thank the metal gods for that. Instead, it polishes that wheel until it shines, bolts it onto a chariot, and charges full speed into battle. Vandor prove that traditional power metal, when written with passion, skill, and a clear vision, still has plenty of fire left in it.

For fans of melodic, story-driven metal that values heart as much as horsepower, this album is an easy recommendation. Crank it up, raise your fist, and step through the portal –Vandor are waiting on the other side, and they’ve brought the soundtrack to your next epic moment.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Turn To The Light’

Review by Woody